LONDON — Prince Harry is about to take his battle with the media to a historic new stage, becoming the first high-ranking member of the British royal family in 130 years to appear as a witness in court.

The Duke of Sussex was unavailable to testify because he’d taken a flight from Los Angeles after the birthday of his 2-year-old daughter.

Unlawful information-gathering "acted like a web" around Prince Harry, a court has heard during his trial against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). His barrister told London's High Court no aspect of his youth was safe from press intrusion - citing stories about his relationship with Chelsy Davy appearing in the Mirror.

The last senior British royal who spoke in court was Princess Anne, Harry’s aunt, in 2002. Her one-word statement: “Guilty.” Anne was charged under the Dangerous Dogs Act after her English bull terrier Dotty attacked two children in Windsor Great Park. The princess was ordered to better train her dog and pay about $1,400.

Prince Harry has blamed the paparazzi for causing the car crash that killed his mother, Princess Diana. He also said the U.K. press has prompted him and Meghan Markle to leave the country.

The Duke of Sussex is set to testify in the first of his five pending legal cases largely centered around battles with British tabloids.

His appearance and cross-examination during the London trial will be the first by a senior British royal in any court case in modern times.