Why is Prince Harry not at the High Court in London today for phone-hacking trial?

Although Prince Harry is expected to give evidence in the phone-hacking trial tomorrow, according to The Telegraph,” Andrew Green KC, for Mirror Group Newspapers, said it was ‘extraordinary’ that Harry was not in court for the opening of his own case."

The Telegraph goes on to say that "Justice Fancourt, the judge hearing the case, added he was a ‘little surprised’ to hear that Harry would not be attending court on Monday."

It has been suggested that the reason for Prince Harry not appearing in court today is because he was delayed due to staying in Montecito yesterday to celebrate his daughter, Princess Lilibet’s second birthday. One of course can’t forget that it was due to his son Prince Archie’s fourth birthday celebrations that he rushed back to California after his father’s coronation took place on May 6. 

Sky News has reported that “Jonathan Coad, media lawyer, has been inside court alongside our team of bloggers and has more on Prince Harry’s absence today…. He told Sky News that “The team for the Mirror is very upset because in their minds, Prince Harry would be there today and their cross-examination would start.”

It is interesting that Jonathan then goes on to say that “the implication by The Mirror is that it’s a tactical no show by Prince Harry. I’ve no idea if it is, but that’s what they’re hinting at the judge.”

Although no news as yet has emerged regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s celebrations for Princess Lilibet, it is thought that the family marked the occasion privately by celebrating with Lilibet’s brother, Prince Archie and the children’s grandmother, Doria Ragland. 

The royal family did not mark the birthday of Princess Lilibet by sharing any messages on social media platforms. It is not known however if they contacted Prince Harry privately to pass on their birthday wishes. 

Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles whilst he is in the UK as he is currently on holiday in Transylvania.