Judge ‘surprised’ Harry didn’t turn up for first day of bombshell court case as he rebukes prince’s lawyer
THE judge in Prince Harry's bombshell case has told of his "surprise" after the duke did not turn up for the first day of court.
The High Court heard Harry jetted in from LA on Sunday night after celebrating Lilibet's second birthday, but will give evidence tomorrow.
He is suing Mirror Group Newspapers which has already apologised to him for unlawful information gathering and said he is entitled to compensation.
Justice Fancourt said he was "surprised" that Harry was not being made available for trial as opening submissions are not expected to last all day.
David Sherborne, for Harry, said: "He is in a different category from the three other claimants due to his travel and security arrangements.
"It was never anticipated that the openings would not take the whole day."
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Mr Justice Fancourt replied: "It was anticipated that they might - which is why I directed that the first witness should be available."
Andrew Green KC, for the Mirror Group, said it was "extraordinary" and he was "deeply troubled" Harry's evidence could be limited to one day.
He said: "I have to cross-examine [Prince Harry] on 33 articles and that cannot be done in one day.
He added: "I need one and a half days. That is not unreasonable."
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The Justice agreed Harry's evidence can run on Wednesday and Thursday.
He will be the first member of the Royal Family to give evidence at a trial in 130 years when Queen Victoria's eldest son, Prince Albert Edward, testified twice in court.
The man who would go on to become King Edward VII testified in the divorce proceedings of a woman he was accused of having an affair with.
Harry will be cross-examined by Green KC — described as “fearless and fearsome” - tomorrow.
His evidence will include details of the breakdown of his relationship with ex Chelsy Davy — with him being questioned about the split under oath.
He has blamed alleged illegal intrusion into his private life for the 2010 break-up.
In his witness statement, Harry claimed she decided “a royal life was not for her” following repeated harassment.
Lawyers told the High Court at an earlier hearing a private investigator was told to gather information about Harry’s trip to London club Chinawhite in February 2004.
MGN is facing damages claims by several high-profile figures.
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The publisher argues some have been brought too late.
Mr Green said phone hacking was denied.