The Duke of Sussex began giving evidence today at the Rolls Building in London in a case against Mirror Group Newspapers over allegations that unlawful methods were used to obtain information for news stories.
Prince Harry entered the witness box at 10.30am and swore by Almighty God that the evidence he gave would be the truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth.
His barrister, David Sherborne, then told the court that on first mention, the duke was to be addressed as ‘Your Royal Highness’ and after that as ‘Prince Harry’.
Andrew Green KC, for Mirror Group Newspapers, then began cross-examination, first taking the prince through his witness statement. The court heard that the prince referred to the fact he went through the articles under complaint with his solicitors in a series of video calls.
Green asked if the prince recalled seeing the articles at the time of publication. Prince Harry told the court he recalled seeing some of them. Going through them with his legal team ‘certainly jogged memories’. Green said: ‘You’re claiming damages for distress caused by these articles. If you did not read or have recollection of reading the articles at the time, how do you say these particular articles have caused you distress?’
The duke replied that the articles 'had an effect on my life, the people around me, and my mother in this case'.
The duke is due to give evidence all day today.