French magazine Closer has today reportedly published several photos of Kate apparently topless while on holiday at a privately-owned chateau in the country.
British newspapers are said to have been offered the photos last week, but rejected them.
UK publishers are supposed to abide by a code of practice drawn up by the Press Complaints Commission (PCC), which describes itself as a self-regulatory body.
Asked whether the PCC would take a dim view if the pictures were republished in the UK, the PCC’s director of communications Jonathan Collett, told Amateur Photographer: ‘We can’t speculate on this case but, as in all cases, if we received a complaint about something published in a UK newspaper or magazine that subscribes to the system overseen by the Commission, then we would consider it under the terms of the Editors’ Code of Practice.’
The Editors’ Code of Practice states: ‘Everyone is entitled to respect for his or her private and family life, home, health and correspondence, including digital communications…
‘It is unacceptable to photograph individuals in private places without their consent.’
The code points out: ‘Private places are public or private property where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.’
The Duchess of Cambridge is reported to be considering legal action.
