Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has come under fire for his absence on the first day of his phone hacking trial.

The royal was ordered to be present to give evidence against mirror group newspapers, but he opted to celebrate his daughter Lilibet’s birthday instead.

Representing the Duke and other claimants, David Sherborne explained that Harry had flown in from the US on Sunday night after marking his daughter’s second birthday earlier in the day.

Mr. Justice Fancourt, the judge presiding over the case, expressed surprise at Harry’s absence from court on Monday.

The judge had previously directed that witnesses should be available the day before their scheduled testimony, in case the legal team’s opening speeches were shorter than anticipated.

Justice Fancourt stated, “I’m slightly surprised in light of the earlier direction.”

Sherborne argued that Harry’s travel and security arrangements posed challenges in getting him to court, and he emphasized that it was not expected that the opening statements would conclude so quickly.

In response, Justice Fancourt asserted, “It was anticipated that they might [take longer], which is why I directed the first witness should be available.”

Furthermore, the judge reprimanded Harry’s legal team when Sherborne’s opening submissions exceeded the allotted time by 25 minutes.

Justice Fancourt stressed the need for adherence to the timetable, stating, “We really can’t keep having timetable chaos on a day-by-day basis.

We really must get on.”

During the trial, Sherborne claimed that unlawful activities were rampant at MGM between 1996 and 2011, asserting that there was no period in Harry’s life when he was safe from phone hacking and blagging.

However, Andrew Green Casey, representing MGM, expressed concern over Harry’s absence until Tuesday, as it may result in wasted time on Monday afternoon.

Mr. Green dismissed Harry’s claims as “rather fantastical,” arguing that there was no evidence to support the Duke being hacked, let alone on a habitual basis.

This incident is not surprising given Harry’s perceived sense of entitlement.

He seemingly believes he is above the law and that rules do not apply to him.

Even his own lawyer cited travel and security arrangements as reasons for his absence, further highlighting his priorities.

It appears that nothing takes precedence over celebrating his children’s birthdays, not even his father’s coronation or a legal case that he himself brought to court.

Critics argue that the royal family publicly ignoring Lilibet’s second birthday on Sunday demonstrates their lack of interest.

In turn, the Harkles, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are sometimes referred to, have used their children as shields against criticism of their own behavior.

This narrative is amplified by Harry’s tendency to blame his father for the challenges he faces, attributing them to bad parenting.

However, the underlying reason for Harry’s absence may be his fear of testifying under oath.

He knows that the defense’s barristers could potentially corner him with their questioning.

His failure to heed his legal team’s advice and potential missteps during cross-examination could jeopardize his position.

It is clear that Harry never anticipated the trial reaching this stage, assuming that the opposing side would simply fold and settle.

In conclusion, Prince Harry’s absence from the phone hacking trial due to his daughter’s birthday celebration has sparked controversy and criticism.

While his legal team cites travel and security arrangements as reasons for his non-attendance, skeptics question his priorities and sense of entitlement.

As the trial progresses, the focus will shift to the evidence presented and the potential implications for all parties involved.