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Kate Middleton today won the first round in a battle with the paparazzi after securing a public apology over pictures of her playing tennis on Christmas Day.
Prince William's girlfriend will also receive £5,000 in damages for breach of privacy, plus legal costs, from Rex Features, which distributed the photos taken at Restormel Manor in Cornwall.
The lawsuit was launched by Harbottle and Lewis, who also represent the Queen and Prince Charles. Restormel Manor is owned by Charles's Duchy of Cornwall, but can be hired by the public.
Miss Middleton, 28, was photographed on its communal tennis courts and sources claimed she appeared unperturbed about having her picture taken.
Photographer Niraj Tanna said he was on a public footpath. The pictures were not published in the UK as media organisations responded to a Buckingham Palace request for privacy over Christmas, but they did appear in Germany.
Harbottle and Lewis threatened to sue Mr Tanna, his photography company, Ikon Pictures, and Rex Features, which distributed the photographs overseas.
In a statement on its website today, the agency says: “Although at the time Rex Features did not know that an infringement of privacy had occurred, we now accept that this was the case and that by distributing the photographs we were a party to that invasion of privacy.” It is thought the damages will be donated to charity.
The potential legal action against Mr Tanna and Ikon Pictures remains pending in what some observers believe is an attempt to deter paparazzi from taking similar pictures of the royal family.
Reader views (7)
Kate Middleton needs to get over herself. She garners publicity whenever it serves her purpose, a trait certain members of the 'Middleton Family' have inherited. The media should forget giving her or any other Middleton any publicity, even at their own 'tip-off' or request. Prince William needs to have a long hard think and reflect on his future. He is doomed otherwise. Personally, I wouldn't have caved in and given her a bean. I don't give a hoot that she has given the money gained to a Charity. This is nothing more than a sycophantic act, to impress The Queen and the Royal-Family
- Sam, London, UK, 12/03/2010 09:12
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Reminds me of Lara Bingle over in Australia. Whines about her privacy one week and sell her story the next.
- Kerry, Australia, 12/03/2010 02:58
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This is rather surprising middelton always seemed to like the attention why the sudden change?
- Sam, Beirut lebanon, 11/03/2010 16:44
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When the Queen passes away (but not for quite a bit I hope), let's do away with the Royal Family altogether... the only other Royal I have time for is Princess Anne...
- Lee, London, 11/03/2010 15:34
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Afraid she's rather too middle class.These airs and graces she has assumed show her to be unsuitable as a future Monarchs consort.A real lady would have set the dogs on the press!
- Alan, Wimbledon, 11/03/2010 15:03
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This entire situation demonstrates how pathetic Kate Middleton is. Wishing a photographer Merry Christmas and then suing. When one looks at the photos, it is clear that she was posing. She knew exactly what was going on.
God help us all if this lazy Waity Katie becomes Queen-in-waiting.
- Holly, USA, 11/03/2010 13:55
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Its about time she got over her self.These stuck up people who think they are Gods gift to the world.
- Dave, london, 11/03/2010 13:55
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