Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
PRINCE Harry is set to be the first royal in a witness box in 130 years as his bombshell case kicks off today.
The Duke of Sussex will arrive from the US to give evidence as a witness in the landmark trial which begins at the High Court today.
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Harry is expected to take the stand tomorrow to give evidence over phone hacking claims.
It is not yet known if he will attend in person today.
He is suing Mirror Group Newspapers which has already apologised to him for unlawful information gathering and said he is entitled to compensation.
He will be the first member of the Royal Family to give evidence at a trial in 130 years when Queen Victoria’s eldest son, Prince Albert Edward, testified twice in court.
The man who would go on to become King Edward VII testified in the divorce proceedings of a woman he was accused of having an affair with.
Harry will be cross-examined by Andrew Green KC — an experienced barrister, described as “fearless and fearsome”.
His evidence will include details of the breakdown of his relationship with ex Chelsy Davy — with him being questioned about the split under oath.
He has blamed alleged illegal intrusion into his private life for the 2010 break-up.
In his witness statement, Harry claimed she decided “a royal life was not for her” following repeated harassment.
Lawyers told the High Court at an earlier hearing a private investigator was told to gather information about Harry’s trip to London club Chinawhite in February 2004.
MGN is facing damages claims by several high-profile figures.
The publisher argues some have been brought too late.
Mr Green said phone hacking was denied.