Palace says it will no longer ‘tolerate’ intrusion by paparazzi

The Queen has issued a blunt warning that the Royal Family stands ready to take legal action against harassment and intrusion by paparazzi.

After years of what one aide yesterday called “a growing feeling of frustration” over repeated breaches of privacy, lawyers operating for the Queen have reminded newspapers of their obligations under the industry’s own code of practice.

Photographers will be closely monitored around the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where the Queen and members of her family will gather for Christmas.

The use of telephoto lenses by paparazzi — who sometimes conceal themselves in the undergrowth or wear camouflage to snatch pictures from public roads near the estate — “will not be tolerated”, according to the aide.
Last Christmas there were a number of incidents, including publication of images allegedly showing the Earl of Wessex beating two gun dogs with a walking stick at Sandringham.

Prince William is also understood to have been dismayed that a shooting party with friends was spoilt by photographers “hiding in bushes”. Some members of the Royal Family blame the paparazzi for the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in a car crash 12 years ago.

William has taken a keen interest in whether privacy laws have been broken by those following Kate Middleton, his girlfriend, over recent years. He came close to taking legal action when he and Ms Middleton were pursued by the paparazzi after leaving a nightclub.

Disclosure yesterday of the tougher approach towards intrusive photography renewed speculation that they might be planning to get engaged over Christmas. The bookmaker William Hill halved the price on such a prospect from 12-1 to 6-1. The palace, however, is playing down talk of an engagement and says it reflects long-standing concerns.

“We wrote to newspapers with a private letter two and a half months ago and you will have to ask The Sunday Telegraph [which run the story on its front page yesterday] why this is news right now,” said a senior official.

Paddy Harverson, the Prince of Wales’s communications secretary, was quoted by the newspaper saying: “Members of the Royal Family feel they have a right to privacy when they are going about everyday, private activities. They recognise there is a public interest in them and what they do, but they do not think this extends to photographing the private activities of them and their friends.”

The Republic Campaign, which calls for the monarchy to be replaced with an elected head of state, said the Royal Family must be open to scrutiny. “While everyone has a right to a level of privacy, the Queen cannot expect the media to dance to her tune,” said Graham Smith. “If people who claim a God-given right to head our nation are falling out of nightclubs, clearly there is a public interest.”