The trial of the phone hacking scandal by the British media against Prince Harry has started. Mirror Group Newspapers is accused of illegally intercepting voicemail messages of Heather Mills, the ex-wife of Sir Paul McCartney, and Laura Rooney, the wife of footballer Wayne Rooney’s uncle. However, Prince Harry has also been targeted by the company, leading him to testify in the case.
Daniel Taylor, a lawyer representing one of the victims, expressed his surprise that the trial was still going ahead, as it is only the second case to reach trial, despite over a decade of hacking-related litigation. He also highlighted the risks involved for both parties.
According to Taylor, Prince Harry could face rigorous and sustained cross-examination by lawyers representing the Mirror Group. This could potentially be embarrassing for the Prince, given that these phone hacking incidents occurred prior to his relationship with his wife, Meghan, when he was navigating single life and involved in sometimes turbulent relationships.
Despite these risks, the Mirror Group has chosen to go to trial. Taylor stated that a win or partial success at the trial will slow or stop the tide of claims being brought against the company. However, a defeat could encourage other victims of hacking to come forward.
On Monday, Harry failed to attend the trial as expected, prompting irritation from the judge, Timothy Fancourt. Harry’s lawyer, David Sherborne, explained that the Prince stayed in California to celebrate the second birthday of his daughter, Lilibet. Harry is scheduled to testify on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Mirror Group’s legal team expressed their concern that they would not receive a full day and a half for cross-examination.
Some royal observers noted the polarizing reputation of Prince Harry in Britain, with media coverage before the trial more focused on whether testifying would diminish his stature rather than the journalism issues at stake. The former BBC correspondent, Peter Hunt, described it as “almost as if phone hacking is priced in.
Regardless, the Prince’s aim is to put Britain’s press on trial, reigniting discussions around media ethics, privacy, and accountability. However, given the overwhelming impact of phone hacking on famous personalities, including actors, politicians, and musicians, this may prove to be a difficult task.
