In a surprising turn of events, a judge has rebuked Prince Harry’s barrister after the duke failed to attend the first day of his phone hacking trial against Mirror’s publisher. The reason cited for his absence was his involvement in celebrating his daughter Lilibet’s birthday, Your Content has learned.
Today, at the High Court in London, Mr. Justice Fancourt expressed his astonishment that Harry, aged 38, was unable to commence giving evidence as planned. The duke had recently departed from Los Angeles, where he celebrated his daughter’s second birthday before his journey.
While addressing the court, Harry’s barrister, David Sherborne, argued that his client fell into a distinct category due to his travel and security arrangements. This case marks the first time in over a century that a senior royal will testify in court.
The prince is among four claimants who have filed lawsuits against the newspaper group, which denies any wrongdoing regarding the alleged hacking. Originally scheduled to testify tomorrow morning, Harry’s availability was called into question this morning when it became apparent that he could have started his testimony in the afternoon.
Interrupting the proceedings, Justice Fancourt voiced his surprise at the unavailability of the first witness. Sherborne responded, stating that Harry’s circumstances differed from the other claimants due to his unique travel and security arrangements.
The judge acknowledged that earlier availability had been anticipated and expressed his disappointment that the first witness could not appear. Harry’s barrister acknowledged the judge’s concerns without offering any further resolution.
Andrew Green KC, representing Mirror Group Newspapers, expressed deep concern over the sudden notice of Harry’s unavailability on the trial’s first day. He noted the efforts made to avoid wasting court time and lamented the inevitable wasted time in the afternoon.
The case brought forth by Prince Harry against the Mirror publisher is expected to last seven weeks. Currently in its midway point, the first half of the trial focused on generic claims against the newspaper group.
The second half will consist of separate trials, with Harry’s case being followed by those of his fellow claimants, including actors Michael Turner and Nikki Sanderson from Coronation Street, as well as comedian Paul Whitehouse’s ex-wife, Fiona Wightman,‘according to Fortune.
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