Following the shocking piece of news about The Duchess of Wales’ topless photos on Friday morning, the British royals immediately launched legal action against French magazine “Closer”.
When asked, Closer’s Editor-in-Chief Lauren Pieau, reportedly said, “Intimate pictures exist that we haven’t published and will not publish. Probably other newspapers will choose to publish them”.
Pieau has also insisted that Closer has no regrets about printing the pictures.
The magazine is said to be part of the media empire, called “Mondadori Group”, belonging to former Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi. While quick action was taken in response to the breach of 30-year-old Kate’s privacy and for causing her embarrassment, another publication announced that they too, have plans to publish pictures.
“Chi” (an Italian weekly) stated that they will be printing a “special issue” devoting 26 pages to the candid pictures of Kate – with a gross and distasteful headline that reads, “The Queen is Naked!”. Here’s the thing though, Chi is also published by Berlusconi’s Mondadori Group. (Source)
And the plot thickens!
Palace officials at their office at St. James’ Palace released a statement to the public that 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. Their Royal Highnesses had every expectation of privacy in the remote house. It is unthinkable that anyone should take such photographs, let alone publish them.
For a long time now, Prince William, who was devastated by his mother’s death, has always made it known that he blames the paparazzi for the tragic accident in 1997.
The British press have also rushed to the defence of The Duke and Duchess, Prince William and Kate after the pictures were released. Most of them too, drew comparisons between Kate and the late Diana.
In a recent issue, Daily Mirror denounced Closer magazine as a “peeping tom” and said, “Public figures who behave well have the right to a private life. A long lens prying on Kate sunbathing topless on a private estate is a clear breach of this right”.
The statement went on to say, “A French media which chose not to expose the love child of President Mitterrand and the behavious of Dominique Staruss-Kahn shouldn’t be hounding a British royal!”
Even The Sun (known for publishing nude pictures of Prince Harry during a “wild Vegas night out”) have refused to print Kate’s photos. Good on you!
