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.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Rihanna Matches Her Canadian Tuxedo to a Denim Dior ToteThe superstar accessorized her triple denim outfit with strappy snakeskin heels.
-
Jennifer Lopez Trades a Pink Catsuit for a Sparkly JumpsuitThe superstar wore two totally different outfits at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
-
PSA: Your Fragrance Horoscope for Taurus Season Did Not Come to PlayWhether you're cocooning or blooming, your scent is written in the stars.
-
The "Awkward" Royal Family Easter Rule Kate Middleton Broke in 2018 Involving Queen Elizabeth IIThe Princess of Wales was pregnant with her third child—Prince Louis—at the time.
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William's Decision to Skip Easter Has "Raised Eyebrows at the Palace""It feels like a deliberate move and even a snub."
-
Prince William Once Twinned With Mom Princess Diana on Easter Sunday in the Cutest Throwback PhotoThe future king wore one of his mom's favorite designers.
-
Princess Diana "Felt She Would Be Freer" Living in America, But Didn't Make the Move for One ReasonThe late royal's friend opened up about the princess's American dream.
-
Princess Kate Is Channeling Princess Anne's Signature Style in an Unexpected WayThe Princess of Wales is following in the no-nonsense Princess Royal's footsteps.
-
Princess Kate Is Trading Her Easter Sunday Hat for Skinny Jeans After Skipping Royal Easter CelebrationHere's what the Wales family is doing instead.
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan MarkleRichard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
-
Will Prince Louis be Granted a Title from Dad Prince William That's "Tainted With Sadness"—or Will He Get a Dukedom at All?Royal historian Jessica Storoschuk tells 'Marie Claire' what Prince Louis and Prince George's future titles could look like.
