Kate Middleton’s topless photographs and the law of privacy, the view from South Africa – Dario Milo and Emma Sadleir

The law of privacy has once again been thrust into the spotlight in the aftermath of the publication of topless photographs of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, by French magazine Closer, rapidly followed by a newspaper in Ireland, and magazines in Italy, Norway and Denmark.

La Regina Nuda and Italian Privacy Law – Athalie Matthews and Giacomo Parmigiani

So Kate and Wills have now jetted back from the South Pacific and are lying low after French Closer published topless pictures of the Duchess under the headline “OH MY GOD!” and other publications followed suit.

Royalty, Nudity, Privacy, and Profitability – Oliver O’Callaghan

The recent publication of topless pictures of The Duchess of Cambridge in a French magazine, following so closely after the exposure of Prince Harry’s nocturnal activities in Las Vegas, has returned the issue of the private lives of public figures to the forefront of the news once again. Coming as Lord Justice Leveson prepares his report arising from the eponymous inquiry, there are a number unresolved debates relating to the publication of private information about celebrities or public figures such as the royal family.

Should the Duchess of Cambridge call upon Google to assist in restoring her privacy? – Tim Lowles

So, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been successful in obtaining an injunction against Closer magazine from the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Nanterre, preventing the magazine from re-publishing or selling topless pictures of the Duchess.  Is that the end of the story? Far from it, the story will continue for ever thanks to the internet.

Prince Harry’s Photos – Five Lessons for the Media Regulation Debate

As the froth dissipates it is worth reflecting on what lessons the saga of the Prince Harry photographs has for the media regulation debate. There is a natural tendency to conclude  that this is another passing “silly season” story – with as much wider significance as the Essex lion.  After all Prince Harry holds no public office and the invasions of his privacy were relatively minor in the scheme of things.  Such a conclusion would be too hasty.  The absurd affair of Prince Harry’s bum is nevertheless a very clear and illuminating example of what remains wrong with the tabloid press and, we suggest, provides five important lessons for the media regulation debate.

Prince Harry, Privacy and Naked Photos: what part of “private” do the press not understand?

The internet has, today, been buzzing with stories about Prince Harry “cavorting naked” in his hotel suite in Las Vegas.  It is said that the photographs are available on US celebrity websites – but the British press have rightly held back from publishing even “edited highlights”.  The RPC Privacy Blog has drawn attention to the views of former News of the World Deputy Editor, Neil Wallis, about the reasons for this restraint by his former colleagues.

News: Judge awards privacy damages to supposed child of politician

A small child whose father is alleged to be a philandering politician has won £15,000 privacy damages at the High Court.  The mother of the girl, identified only as AAA, has not named the father on her daughter’s birth certificate and wants to find the “right time” to reveal his identity to her.

Mrs Justice Nicola Davies (pictured), in a judgment ([2012] EWHC 2103 (QB)) handed down after a six-day private hearing in London, said the professional position of the supposed father, a married elected politician, spoke for itself.