**Updated with reason for charges** As we can recall, Kate Middleton and her family stayed in Restormel Manor (which belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall) over their Christmas holiday in Cornwall. Pictures of the Middleton family enjoying a game of tennis circulated in picture agencies such as Ikon Pictures, Rex Features and Isifa. And while the British press refrained from publishing them in fear of the recent paparazzi ban, the pictures have appeared in Germany.  A German photographer, now revealed as Niraj Tanna of Ikon Pictures, is said to have taken them while standing in a public footpath that looked on to the tennis courts.

Now ALL online pics have been removed. Forums have been contacted to remove links to the private pictures. It is revealed that, as speculated, Harbottle & Lewis — the Queen’s lawyers who also represent Kate — are taking legal action on the grounds of breach of privacy and harassment.  It is understood to call for the pictures to be withdrawn from circulation and for damages to be awarded from both the agency and the photographer for invading her privacy. It threatens legal proceedings in the face of an unsatisfactory response.

Clarence House emphasizes that this action is pursued by Kate herself.  “It’s a private complaint being pursued by Kate Middleton against individual photographers who allegedly harassed her family on Christmas Day. Prince William was not present at that time.”

Kate is however using the same lawyers that work for the Queen, Prince Charles and his sons.

Gerrard Tyrell, a senior partner at Harbottle & Lewis, who was instructed by Buckingham Palace to mastermind the new press strategy last year, said: “I have sent a letter before action to two agencies, Rex Features and Icon, and am waiting to hear back. If there is not a suitable response we will take legal action.  I have been working with Kate for some time and we have been dealing with these issues.”

Why did Kate decide to press charges?  Because she and her family were pursued by photographer Niraj Tanna over Christmas.  It is suggested that he was responsible for trying to obtain pictures of the Middleton family during their Christmas lunch, and that he was spotted with his camera outside the window of the Middletons’ home.  Tanna has declined to comment.

So for those in doubt, let it be known that the royals’ plea for privacy is in fact real and taken very seriously.  And apparently, it is also very effective!  Until today, no one knows for sure where Kate and William celebrated her 28th birthday.

Articles: The Telegraph |  London Evening Standard | The Guardian | The Guardian (Reason for Charges)

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