Prince Harry is expected to testify in a phone-hacking case taking place in the UK. This will be the first time a prominent member of the royal family is cross-examined in court in over 130 years. The last time such an event took place was back in 1891. At that time, Queen Victoria’s eldest son, Prince Albert Edward, testified as a witness in a slander case after a game of baccarat went wrong. He accused one of the players, Sir William Gordon-Cumming, of cheating, and Mr. Gordon-Cumming lost the case.
The outcome of the trial was unfavorable for Prince Edward and the royal family. The trial lasted about 20 minutes, and The Guardian reported that the experience “wearied him exceedingly” and made him “extremely nervous.” He was unable to sit still, and his face flushed when asked pressing questions.
Prince Harry’s testimony will differ from Edward’s in several ways. Unlike Edward, Harry is one of the plaintiffs, and as such, he can anticipate cross-examination. Additionally, Harry is no longer a working member of the royal family and has never been first in line to the throne. However, if Harry struggles to answer the questions during his appearance, it could lead to embarrassment.
Edward’s reputation was not helped by appearing in court, as he was known as a womanizer with a love for playing cards. However, in the 1891 baccarat slander case, The New York Times reported that Edward had been “affable as ever” and “faultlessly dressed” in court.
If Harry’s testimony is unsuccessful, it will show that not even a member of the royal family with such a high profile can escape cross-examination in court.
