In a recent phone-hacking case, Prince Harry is expected to give testimony on Tuesday, becoming the first prominent member of the British Royal Family to be cross-examined in court since 1891. At that time, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert Edward [later crowned King Edward VII], provided witness testimony in a slander case that involved allegations of cheating during a game of baccarat, to which he was a witness. He supported the accusers and the accused party lost the case. Edward was reported to have become exceedingly nervous during his testimony, which lasted around 20 minutes. Previously, it was unusual and discouraged for an influential member of the royal family to appear in court.
This testimony had a negative effect on Edward’s reputation as the “future king.” Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, emphasized that this incident is why the Royal Family would rather avoid the situation entirely. Edward had testified once before in a divorce case involving a certain Harriet Mordaunt, who accused him of love affairs. The trial lasted for a few minutes only, and it had less of an impact on his reputation.
Prince Harry’s case differs in that he arrived in court as a plaintiff, not as a witness like Edward. He might have anticipated cross-examination was coming. Harry used to be an eminent member of the royal family but now no longer works as a royal. Also, he was never in line for the throne. However, failure to handle questions well in court could still be harmful to his reputation.
Edward died nine years after his coronation and was replaced by his son George V. He was known to have a love for playing cards and being a womanizer.
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