There's a New Development in the Kate Middleton Topless Photo Case
Ugh, at all of this.
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While vacationing in southern France in 2012, Prince William and Kate Middleton were photographed without their consent by paparazzi, who managed to snap photos of the duchess sunbathing nude—including one where William is rubbing sunscreen on her. St. James's Palace issued a statement after the photos were published in French magazine Closer (saying they were "reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales") and the royal family swiftly took action.
The French editor who published the photos argues the photos offer a "flattering portrayal" of the royal couple, according to ABC News. She also claimed that the balcony where they were seen gets passed by "thousands of cars" every day, and that "security was more an issue rather than media frenzy."
Thanks to a lawsuit against photographers and editors of Closer, the magazine might have to pay 1.5 million euro for damages. The thing is, a court in Nanterre just reportedly postponed the ruling from July 4th until September—which means Kate and William have to wait a few more months until justice is (potentially) served.
The trial began in May, at which point the couple's lawyer Jean Veil released the following statement from Prince William:
"In September 2012, my wife and I thought that we could go to France for a few days in a secluded villa owned by a member of my family, and thus enjoy our privacy. We know France and the French and we know that they are, in principle, respectful of private life, including that of their guests. The clandestine way in which these photographs were taken was particularly shocking to us as it breached our privacy."
As previously mentioned, Kate and William are seeking fines of 1.5 million euros.
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Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
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