The trial of Prince Harry’s phone hacking lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mirror has commenced. But to the surprise and disappointment of the judge, Prince Harry was absent from court. Harry’s lawyer explained that he would be unable to testify after the opening statements. As he had flown back from Los Angeles following his daughter’s second birthday celebrations.
Justice Timothy Fancourt expressed his astonishment at Harry’s absence. Noting that he had specifically instructed the prince to be present for the trial’s first day. Andrew Green, the lawyer representing Mirror Group Newspaper, voiced his deep concern over Harry’s nonattendance on the opening day of the trial.
Although Prince Harry was scheduled to testify on Tuesday before the court. His lawyer was informed last week that the prince should attend Monday’s proceedings in the High Court of London. In case the opening statements concluded earlier than expected.
Prince Harry’s Trial Against Daily Mirror Highlighting Media Harassment
This trial against the publisher of the Daily Mirror represents the first of several lawsuits filed by Prince Harry against the media. With three cases alleging unlawful intrusion and hacking by tabloid publishers. In their relentless pursuit of exclusive stories about the royal family.
At the age of 38, Prince Harry is poised to become the first member of the British royal family in over a century to give testimony in court. It is anticipated that he will share his feelings of distress and anger stemming from media harassment throughout his life. Shedding light on its impact on himself and those close to him.
The prince has attributed the paparazzi’s actions to the car crash that resulted in the death of his mother, Princess Diana. He has also accused the UK press of harassment, intrusion, and the publication of allegedly racist articles. Citing these as factors that led him and his wife, Meghan, to relocate to the US in 2020. Moreover, step away from their royal roles.
The articles under scrutiny in this trial date back to Harry’s 12th birthday in 1996. When the Mirror reported on his emotional state following the divorce of his parents, now King Charles III and the late Princess Diana.