Prince Harry Skips First Day of Hacking Trial for Daughter Lilibet's Birthday, Absence Upsets Judge
Prince Harry missed the first morning of his trail against Mirror Group Newspapers.On Monday, the Duke of Sussex was not in the court room for the first day — as according to his lawyer he was traveling overnight from Los Angeles to London, after celebrating his daughter Lilibet's second birthday at home in California with his wife, Meghan Markle.A source tells ET that judge, Justice Timothy Fancourt, was «surprised» by his absence, as he requested that the duke be present for the first day as the first witness, should there be time for testimony. «Prince Harry did not show up for the first day he was expected to testify at the court proceeding against the Mirror Newspaper group this morning,» the source says. «His lawyer David Sherbourne told the court that Prince Harry had flown overnight to London after celebrating Princess Lilibet’s birthday.»According to the source, Justice Fancourt expressed his displeasure with the royal's failure to show up as a witness saying, «I'm a little surprised that the first witness is not going to be available today.»Harry's team had been instructed that the duke should be present, should he have to take the stand. Justice Fancourt added, «That's why I directed the the first witness should be available.»Harry's lawyer, David Sherborne, explained that the Duke of Sussex is attending Tuesday to give evidence.