Topless photographs of Kate Middleton were published in a French magazine back in 2012. These were taken by three photographers who are now on trial. The Duchess of Cambridge and her husband, Prince William are outraged with the release of the photos which apparently invaded their privacy.
Photos published
The photos were taken using telephoto lenses while they are sunbathing in a private luxury estate which is owned by William's cousins. The private patio is located in the southern Provence region in France.
French gossip magazine Closer published the photos in one of their 2012 releases, a year after Middleton married the Duke of Cambridge.
The photos even appear on the cover of the magazines showing the pair on a happy and relaxed mood.
The images were taken while the royal couple was on an official tour in South Asia and the South Pacific. Because of the leaked pictures, Middleton and Prince William filed a court complaint in France. But the Royals did not attend the trial.
However, their lawyer released a statement stating how upset they are of what happened. In the said statement, Prince William stated that they were in a secluded villa to enjoy their privacy. He said that they are aware that French people are respectful of private life which is why they were shocked that their privacy was breached.
Photographers in trial
Aside from the three photographers, there are also three other people who are on trial.
This includes the owner and the executive editor of the magazine Closer as well as the former publisher of a French regional newspaper La Provence. But none of them attended the trial.
Photographers Cyril Moreau and Dominique Jacovides are represented by Defense lawyer François Blistene, who claims that his clients are not involved in taking such photos.
Another photographer involved is Valerie Suau who was present at the Nanterre courthouse on May 2.
On the other hand, the lawyer of Closer magazine owner Ernesto Mauri said that he cannot understand why the royal pair was upset about the photos. Lawyer Paul-Albert Iweins stated that the article showing topless pictures of Middleton made everybody happy including the royal family.
But obviously, it isn't true. The verdict of the trial will be released on July 2.
Palace upset
Aside from Kate Middleton and Prince William, the palace is also upset about the published photos. According to them, what happened is a "grotesque and totally unjustifiable" Invasion Of Privacy. The incident also reminded them of how the paparazzi allegedly contributed to the death of Princess Diana as they follow her wherever she goes.
