The royals just cannot catch a break lately. First, there was Harry, snapped letting ye royal jewels hang out in Vegas. Then there was Prince Philip, snapped letting ye olde royal jewels hang out at the Highland Games. Now there's Kate Middleton. The primmest and most proper of them all is currently undergoing a nude scandal of her own. A French magazine has just published, in a "grotesque manner", recent photos of the Duchess sunbathing topless at Prince William's cousin's chateau.
The "world exclusive" photos were taken using a long lens without the couple’s knowledge, and capture Kate, on a break from her and William's tour in Malaysia, clad in nothing but bikini bottoms.
Needless to say, she is pissed.
A statement released from St. James's Palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses have been hugely saddened to learn that a French publication and a photographer have invaded their privacy in such a grotesque and totally unjustifiable manner. The incident is reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, and all the more upsetting to the Duke and Duchess for being so."
As curious as I am to see these pictures of a bare-breasted Kate, I have to say, this truly does cross the line. Harry's Vegas antics were one thing -- he was partying and, in a way, "shirking his royal duties" (and it's Harry -- come on). But photos of Kate, lying out in the sun, not bothering anyone, in what she presumed to be (and what should have been) a "private" setting is whole other issue, and a complete invasion of privacy. Will paparazzi stop at nothing to make a buck?
The seriousness of the statement the Palace released shows they mean business, but I kind of doubt legal action will wind up being taken, since the photos were taken in another country. It's really sad that this has happened -- and it probably stings a bit more since all this is happening so close to the 15-year anniversary of Diana's death.
Apparently, the British media aren't the only people who will stop at nothing to make a profit. What a disgrace.
What do you think of this?
Image via Chris Jackson/Getty
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Comments 21
She was at a private chateau. The photos were taken with a telephoto lens. It is reasonable to expect some privacy while at a private residence. She wasn't sunbathing on a public beach. She was in a private backyard. Would you think it would be ok if someone snuck onto the property and took a picture of her in the shower? Just because she's a public figure? And it was French paparazzi and media that are responsible for those photos, not the British.
There is a difference between public property and private property. She was very clearly on private property and very clearly expected privacy rather than an invasion of it. The argument that she is a public figure and so should expect such treatment only goes so far. This photo incident is the equivalent of a peeping Tom the next block over using telephoto lens to take perverted pictures of a stranger.
She has every right to sunbathe the way she wants to (as long as it's legal in that area). She's completely innocent in this matter, and it's sad that people try to do stuff like this just because of who she married.
Royalty Schmoyalty. Who cares? I have kids to feed and a hubby to please.
The queen, Kate and Prince "Mini" Harry are not news worthy.
@zonk i agree 100%
"She was NOT on a public beach or in a public setting. She was at a private home where, if the pictures I've seen are correct, there are high walls and fields surrounding the home. She had every right to expect privacy in that sort of surrounding. Just because she's a royal and a celebrity does NOT mean the public is entitled to see every part of her life. When she gives birth if a nurse takes a photo during labor would people be saying, "oh she should expect that"?"