Prince William's Lawyers to Test Law Curbing Power of Paparazzi

Lawyers for the royal prince are preparing a case to test the powers of the paparazzi, hoping to prevent harassment of Kate Middleton...

Many Brits believe they killed Diana in the end. . . out of control paparazzi. Certainly they added great misery to her life, and Prince William is determined to protect his girlfriend from the same fate as his mother. His lawyers are preparing a case to test the limits of the press as pertains to the activities of paparazzi. They are using Britain's Human Rights Law, amongst others, to define limits for the paparazzi's activities as they pertain to the royal family and its associates. There has been some speculation in the past week that an engagement announcement is imminent, after security around William's girlfriend Kate Middleton has been beefed up. But now spectators suggest that it may be all about William's desire to protect her from the harrassment Princess Diana, and Sarah Duchess of Windsor suffered during their relationships with the royals. A court case on behalf of Ms Middleton, who celebrates her 25th birthday today, would be a high-risk strategy for the Royal Family, even if they were only indirectly associated. But it could define the boundaries between legitimate press photography and an invasion of privacy.

The law firm Harbottle & Lewis is warning newspapers and broadcasters to “sharpen up their act” or face legal action. A spokesman for Clarence House said: “Ms Middleton is a private individual and as such can expect to have the privacy and private life that would be enjoyed by any member of the public.”