Prince William and Princess Catherine have achieved a significant legal victory against the French magazine Paris Match, which published invasive photographs of the royal family during a skiing holiday. The couple’s office announced the outcome of the case on Friday, following a ruling from the Nanterre Judicial Court, which determined that the images violated the family’s right to privacy.
The photographs, taken in April 2023, depicted the Prince and Princess of Wales along with their children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—while they were enjoying leisure time in the French Alps. The images showcased the family on the ski slopes and relaxing on a chalet balcony. In its latest issue, Paris Match acknowledged the court’s decision, stating that the judge found the publication of the images and an accompanying article to be a breach of privacy rights concerning the royal family.
Legal Action and Family Privacy
Kensington Palace criticized the magazine for its “grossly intrusive article” and the use of long-lens photography that compromised the family’s private holiday. The palace emphasized the couple’s commitment to safeguarding their family time and ensuring their children can grow up free from excessive public scrutiny. In a statement, they affirmed their readiness to take necessary legal action to enforce these boundaries.
The British media has generally respected an understanding to provide privacy for the couple’s children, aged 12, 10, and 7, in exchange for the occasional release of authorized photographs. This arrangement reflects similar agreements made during the childhoods of Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry. Nonetheless, international publications sometimes adhere to different standards regarding privacy.
In 2012, the couple took legal action against the magazine Closer for publishing topless images of Catherine while the family was on holiday at a private villa in southern France. Following a protracted legal battle, they were awarded tens of thousands of dollars in damages for the breach of privacy.
As public interest in the royal family remains high, this latest legal victory underscores the ongoing challenges they face in maintaining their privacy. The couple’s proactive stance in defending their rights emphasizes their dedication to protecting their family’s well-being in an increasingly intrusive media landscape.
