Prince Harry Takes Stand in High Court Phone Hacking Trial

Prince Harry made a significant appearance at the High Court as he testified against the Daily Mirror publisher in a phone hacking trial, marking the first time a royal has done so in open court since 1891.

Dressed in a navy suit with a dark purple tie, Harry entered the witness box and solemnly swore to speak the truth, positioned under the Bible beneath his father's coat of arms, the Sovereign.

The Duke of Sussex flew in from California, arriving in the UK on Monday, exuding a relaxed demeanor even as he faced some public disapproval upon entering the modern annex of the High Court known as the Royals' building.

Despite being booed by a few onlookers, Harry greeted the press with a smile, setting the tone for his testimony.

Outside the High Court, a London-based political satirist named Kaya Marr had set his sights on Harry.

Among the throng of photographers and reporters awaiting the Duke's arrival, Marr, known for targeting prominent figures like Boris Johnson and Theresa May with his cartoons, revealed his latest creation depicting Harry and Meghan.

Marr's artwork portrayed Harry as a primitive hunter who had brought back a wife, symbolized by Meghan riding a donkey led by Prince Harry, adorned with a spear and leafy loincloth.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Marr expressed his views on the royal couple, criticizing their desire for publicity while showcasing his unconventional artistry.

During the trial, Harry faced questioning regarding the legality of the newspaper articles he contested.

Despite being presented with evidence that similar information had been published by other media outlets, including the BBC, and sourced from palace aides or official interviews he had given, Harry maintained his stance of unawareness.

As he commenced his testimony, a comprehensive 55-page statement was released, shedding light on his perspective.

Notably, in the statement, Harry mistakenly referred to his father as HRH King Charles III instead of the correct title, His Majesty King Charles III, a surprising error for a royal family member.

In his extensive statement, totaling 26,789 words, Harry delved into the intricacies of press-government relations, condemning what he perceived as a cozy alliance between the two entities.

He highlighted the critical role of the press in upholding democracy by scrutinizing and holding the government accountable, rather than aligning with them for self-serving purposes.

This bold stance by Harry drew a sharp response from MGM, represented by Andrew Green KC, who vigorously defended their position in court.

Rishi Sunak's spokesperson refrained from commenting on Harry's statements due to the ongoing legal proceedings, indicating the sensitivity of the matter.

Throughout the trial, Green challenged the emotive language used by Harry in his statement, questioning the extent of hurt and outrage caused by the articles in question.

He probed Harry's memory regarding the content of the articles and raised doubts about the prince's recollection, leading to a tense exchange between the two parties.

Harry, visibly irritated by the line of questioning, redirected queries to his legal team, signaling his resolve to navigate the legal complexities with precision and poise.

The courtroom drama unfolded with each revelation, underscoring the gravity of the case and the implications for both the royal family and the media landscape.