Kate Middleton Consults Lawyers
We hear that Kate Middleton is consulting her lawyers about a picture (shown, left) published by the Daily Mirror this morning.
It appears she took exception either to the revealing nature of the photo, or the way it was taken as she was on her way to work with a cup of coffee.
The Mirror plays up the “trouble for Wills” theme that’s going around at the moment :
“It’s that certain look women get. You can’t quite describe it — but you know it means trouble … Which probably spells a severe spot of earache for boyfriend Prince William. Especially after his recent laddish escapades involving a couple of attractive girls.”
An onlooker is reported as saying : “She didn’t seem very happy. But then again neither would most girls who’d heard all sorts of stories about their bloke.”
I have to say that if Prince William really loves Kate and values his relationship with her, he should learn to use more self-control when around other attractive young women. One could think that he’s trying to create reasons for Kate to dump him.
By Evelyn on March 29th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Reading this story, I couldn’t help but recall when the constant pestering of photographers (prior to her marriage) upset Princess Diana so much that she cried. That incident provoked the Queen to summon Fleet Street publishers (or was it editors) to a meeting, during which the Queen, masking her annoyance with miraculous self-control, requested with great civility that the press endeavor to show some restraint. We all know what happened after that and what is happening to this very day. Why does the press not see the damage they have done and are continuing to do? If the intrusive media do not exercise some self-control, no one, including Kate Middleton, will want to marry Prince William. Is that what they want? Surely not. Let there be an end to this, for all our sakes.
By Gigi on March 29th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Kate needs to watch what she wears. She’s a pretty girl that looks pretty in anything she wears. That top is not particularly pretty anyway.
The late Princess of Wales was required to have all of her skirts weighted so that they could not be lifted by the wind. She also only used 2nd floor bathrooms. The paparazzi are not new and they will snap her when she least expects it.
By Mrs. Peperium on March 29th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
I really feel that Kate seems to be retaliating either to the stories about William the Mirror published over the weekend or is trying to take some of the attention off William’s antics and show what she has to “put up with” in order to be his girlfriend.
I do not believe, in any way whatsoever, that she should be followed all the time. I do, however, think that this is a very convenient time to complain.
Also, I agree with Mrs. Peperium that Kate should be careful with what she wears. This top seems to show off her “assets” when Prince William was photographed supposedly grabbing another woman’s… But this photo seemed to show Kate’s a little too much and in an unflattering way.
Also, maybe she took greater offense to the caption and the content of the article than the picture itself? The article would surely have been one to upset anyone, especially after the press weekend Kate and William have had.
By Elizabeth on March 29th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Kate Middleton new what she was getting into when she started dating Prince William. And if she was so upset by her picture being taken than she would not be smiling in one of the pictures of this set. Also she seems perfectly happy to have her photograph taken when good press is written about her, but not so much when the press is negative?
She should grow up and shut-up… if she doesn’t like being in the limelight than she doesn’t have to date William. No one is forcing her too.
Also it seems as if she only complains when the press is starting to question either Williams commitment to her or her eligability to be a princess.
She’s a twit!
By Varya on March 29th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
What about the children she or another woman are likely to have with William someday? Would you tell them to “grow up or shut up” when they are placed under this kind of scrutiny, because they happened to be born the child of someone in the public eye (and any such child WILL be under tremendous media scrutiny from birth)? That’s what all of this is about, IMO – Kate and William trying to establish precedents for their future life.
And in terms of the timing, I believe this is the first photograph that’s been published since the January 9 birthday debacle that falls outside of the sphere of what the Clarence House negotiated at that time and what the PCC has said is acceptable (photos of her at nightclubs, with the prince, at public events, etc. are OK, photos of her attempting to go about her daily life are not).
By KS on March 30th, 2007 at 12:05 am
i’m a little bit confused as to why this website hasn’t posted about either harry or william’s antics of the weekend. Is it a bias, only wanting them to be seen in a positive light? Or do you consider the stories not worth mentioning? I believe that all sides of william and Harry should be shown.
By Leanna on March 30th, 2007 at 12:10 am
Regarding Varya’s comments: I do not know what the meaning of the word “twit” is in the UK, but here in America, it means a silly, annoying, foolish person. I assure you that Kate Middleton is none of those things. What is so extraordinary about her wishing to go about the tasks of her everday life without a photographer shoving a camera lens in her face and pestering her with rude and intrusive questions? How are those wishes worthy of such criticism?
By Gigi on March 30th, 2007 at 12:17 am
I don’t think that she should have to go about her life with a photo lens shoved in her face. The footage from around her birthday was truly intrusive and something with which no one should have to live. It certainly warranted the threatened complaint, and no one could blame her for her position then.
I think the point that a lot of people are thinking is that Kate does not seem to mind the press when she is doing something fun and with William. She also seems to court the press in certain situations, like when she chooses to leave a nightclub via the front entrance where there are sure to be tons of photogs instead of the more discreet side entrance. Several photographers even attested to the fact that, at William’s passing out parade, Kate wanted to be photographed, even taking a more public entrance than was planned. She seems to *want* press when it suits her purpose or mood and then not want it when it doesn’t.
Also, the only other time Kate has officially made a complaint is when she was photographed on a city bus. It just seems that she chooses to complain when it suits her cause. She was made to look very middle class on the bus –so complain about the picture. Now their relationship has been receiving bad press for William’s drunkenness (which, truthfully, the press probably did make much more out of than was necessary), so Kate complains to (seemingly) take the focus off that onto her and the sacrifices she makes for William and their relationship.
I’m not saying this is wrong or what I wouldn’t do in her shoes –I never could say that because I’ll never know. Maybe she really did say ‘enough is enough.’ But I would like for her, just once, to complain about a flattering picture that appears in a glowing article about her –because those, too, are invasive pictures, but we only hear complaints (besides her b’day!!!) about the unflattering photos that portray her in a less-than-immaculate light.
By Elizabeth on March 30th, 2007 at 1:46 am
How convienient that Kate chooses to complain again when the heat is on William and his drunken antics. Although no one wants a camera on them 24/7 Kate knew going into her relationship with William that is what would happen time for her to keep quiet and stop trying so hard to become Kate Wails.
By Trudie on March 30th, 2007 at 2:22 am
This is much ado about nothing. I don’t blame her for throwing sand in the press’ eye. It’s got nothing to do with her boyfriend making a fool out of himself in a club.
I give her credit for having complained just twice. She seems to be a strong person. I like it. She’ll make a great wife for William.
And for the “twit” and “shut-up” remarks, this is a decent, respectful, peaceful site, and I really hope that the vicious remarks are kept to a minimum. Especially from those who have made a career of going from website to website bad mouthing and slandering this woman who has said or done absolutlely nothing publicly to deserve the hate filled condemnation. Criticism of Kate is fine, wacko name-calling and worse is not. There are other sites out there for that. Not here, hopefully.
By Positive on March 30th, 2007 at 2:59 am
Well said, Positive, I agree completely. I would be most grateful if all of us will endeavor to continue the civil, collegial and appropriate manner of commenting that makes this site such a pleasure to read. Callous characterizations and name calling have no place here, I feel. I do believe that very soon I shall feel the irresistible urge to say “Tea time!” yet again.
By Gigi on March 30th, 2007 at 3:30 am
“Kate Wails”? Typo or intentional? Does Kate “wail” about whether she will become “Kate Wales”?
(No offense intended to the author.)
I don’t have a problem with Kate’s attempt to limit the press. It doesn’t seem to me to be “wailing.”
By Evelyn on March 30th, 2007 at 3:38 am
In Kate’s PCC report, she makes no claim to have issue with the article itself –she says that the picture and the houding by photographers is what is intrusive.
Apparently the Daily Mail also published a (by the way, flattering) paparazzi picture of Kate taken on the very same day (actually at the same time –while she was getting coffee). This picture was also accompanied by a glowing article about how Kate is well on her way to becoming a princess due to her new Audi. Any takers about why the Mail didn’t receive a complaint also for an equally intrusive picture?
By Elizabeth on March 30th, 2007 at 11:28 am
It was intentional Evelyn the Wails. As far as anyone can see she has not been harrassed and the timing of this complaint is rather convienient. I have nothing against Kate she seems to be a nice girl but, it seems she only wants press attention when William is not in trouble she should complain more. I also hope she gave old Willie an earful for that display holding the girls breast. To me that was disrespectful to her and their supposed relationship.
By Trudie on March 30th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Varya, i completely agree with your frustration. And Elisabeth, she did not complain about the Daily Maill because, as i said before, they are her biggest bunch of cheerleaders, ever praising her.
What a hypocrite.
And say goodbye to her being discreet. She apparently talked to a friend who spoke to the Daily Mail about her car(there were too many details to pass it off as general gossip-someone on the inside spoke-and with her ok)
Plus, her latest-i don’t believe what the papers write about William because girls throw themselves at him, it means nothing to me???
It should mean something that he responds!
She is throwing her integrity and dignity out the window to continue in a relationship without reassessing it and having a serious talk with PW about it!
ANd to complain about the Mirror, because they were less than positive but to not the Mail which leads with the same picture but the caption is sickly sweet about her? Does she honestly believe the public will buy into it?
She is against the Mirror because they are raising serious questions.
My, what is going on with her? Doesn’t she know people can see through it?
Leanna, i have asked the owner of this site many times why William’s indiscretions are hardly written about? The answer should be obvious to everyone by now.
By mary on March 30th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Charles and Diana spoke through ‘friends’ who would then talk to the press on their behalf when they wanted something viewed, and Kate answered the press about William’s latest indiscretion the same way. She is talking to the Mail. ‘It means nothing to me’ the friend quoted saying of her feelings.
Please, she is no longer discreet. I understand she had to answer somehow, but that meant talking to the press, (and, i would argue-her favourite supporters)
By mary on March 30th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
[...] The Daily Mirror has apologized to Kate Middleton after publishing a picture of her on her way to work in yesterday’s paper (see picture here). [...]
By Royal Anecdotes - Royal Secrets » Mirror Apologizes for Kate Middleton Photo on March 30th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
The “owner of this site” has published a number of stories about Prince William, but we don’t always believe those who continually bitch against him and Kate Middleton.
By John on March 30th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Elizabeth, the Daily Mail picture shows her driving her new car and is totally unobtrusive.
The Mirror not only showed her in an unflattering light, but also suggested that her momentary expression was a sign of digust with Prince William. Totally uncalled for.
The Mirror has now apologized to Kate Middleton and admitted they were wrong.
By John on March 30th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I am glad that the Mirror apologized, as they should have, for their misconduct. Now let us hope that there will be no further infringements by the Mirror or anyone else, for that matter. This “Gotcha!” type of journalism is as unseemly as it is distasteful and unprofessional. As for which stories John chooses to post on Royal Anecdotes, he shows good judgement and appropriate discretion. I believe that we would not like this site to the degree that we do if it was merely dedicated to undue criticism of the members of the Royal Family. Point-counterpoint aside, I think little is gained by constant negativity and disrespect.
By Gigi on March 30th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
John, I don’t think the papers should use paparazzi photos at all. I believe they should be entirely off-limits.
My contention is that picture the Mail used was taken at the *same time* as the one the Mirror used. Should she not also have filed a complaint against the Mail for using a photograph that was taken under the same circumstances as the one in the Mirror, albeit that the photo in the Mirror was of her in her new car and from a further distance? Even if it was a photo from a further distance, if she claims to have felt harassed by the paparazzi taking the pictures, she should also have felt harassed by those taking pictures of her in her car pulling up to Starbucks.
The picture is not *that bad*. It is an awkward angle, but it shows nothing that it inappropriate –just maybe an angle she doesn’t like.
I really believe that Kate may have felt harassed by the paps, but she is not speaking out about that –she is making a clear and hard point that she will not tolerate unflattering press about her. Kate made no complaint about the content of the article, but that seems to be what she is utlimately complaining about.
If people say that it is unacceptable for the press to speculate what she is thinking, then she should file a complaint *every single time* the press speculates about Kate planning her wedding and loving Prince William and tiaras dancing in her head. She should have complained about the Mail speculating that her new car makes her one step closer to being royal. That is pure specualtion –but it is in Kate’s favor, so she leaves it alone. The one time there is something about her not being “perky” and “stunning” and “discreet” all you-know-what breaks loose.
By Elizabeth on March 30th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
If they were in her grill shouting God knows what at her, she was right to sue their a**. Enough is enough. Snapshots do not tell the entire story, and unless there is video no one knows what happened and what was said to her to make her call her lawyers. We almost never see the snappers, we only see Kate being victimized. I have seen a few photos of them several of them at once, blocking her movement all while the shutter is going at full speed. The paparrazzi have repeatedly been warned. Now they can tell it to the judge.
This BS that she was complaining to deflect attention from William’s antics or that it’s sour grapes when she doesn’t get good press is LUDICROUS.
By Positive on March 31st, 2007 at 1:54 am
Well said, Positive! For years I have gotten increasingly annoyed by the press shrieking about the “public’s right to know” which in their hands translates to the ‘right’ of the press and the paparazzi to make oddles of money by callously and indiscriminantly trespassing on the privacy of whomever they choose, whenever they choose. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the UK, where for some reason I do not understand, the press no longer respects the Royal Family as it should. Here in the USA, our First Family is protected by the Secret Service and believe me, no one, including the press, wants to get on the wrong side of the Secret Service. WHY does the Royal Protection Service not protect the Royal Family from the prying lens of these photographers? I realize that Kate Middleton is not as yet a member of the Royal Family, but even the Princess Royal was pestered by the paparazzi when she fell off her horse during an equestrian competition. When will the public get fed to the teeth with the gall and the presumption of the press and say ENOUGH! There is a limit and I would hope that we have reached it.
By Gigi on March 31st, 2007 at 4:14 am
Yet another of my endless typos.
I meant “oodles.”
By Gigi on March 31st, 2007 at 4:15 am
Gigi, misspelling or not you’re totally correct. If the press want to cross the line, go ahead. Just deal with the consequences. I would love to see how each and every person who has accused Kate’s motives for complaining about the press would react to cameras jammed in their faces 24/7 year after year. Not very well, I’m guessing.
By Positive on March 31st, 2007 at 5:37 pm
You’re right, Positive –I *would* probably complain if I were in Kate’s position; however, I would most certainly make sure that any complaint coming from me would be a well-rounded complaint and address *every* photo published on that day where I felt particularly harassed. The point is that Kate appears not to want to “bite the hand” of certain press agencies because they are so positive about her. If she feels harassed (I know I would!), she should make her complaint reflect ALL elements of harassment, regardless of the newspaper that publishes the picture.
By Elizabeth on March 31st, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Why doesn’t the Queen and Prince Charles to step up to address this issue with the press? Clearly, it is Kate’s relationship with Prince William that has created this situation. At a minimum, Prince William should be attending these meetings with her. While she is not a memeber of the Royal Family, it is in poor taste that they all (including William) stand back and require her to defend herself alone. The lack of collective attention to this issue with the press is a familiar reminder of the circumstances Princess Diana endured, not just the bold nature of the press but also the lack of support from the Royal Family. Are they going to make the same mistake twice?
By Cate on March 31st, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Good reasoning and a very good question, Cate. It is an issue that troubles me, too. The Royal Family either does not perceive the enormity of the situation, or else they are being given very bad advice by persons with an agenda.
By Gigi on March 31st, 2007 at 9:15 pm
John,
If she is complained about the mirror’s article,which had a picture of her, in her very day life…. I mena I understand about the article, but why not complaint about the daily (or whatever is called)…. its just so weird. I mean, its her problem at the end, but if you are complaining about one newspaper who are supposingly invading you privacy, shouldn’t you be complaining to the other one as well?Its contradictory….mmmm
By Ziny on April 1st, 2007 at 2:11 am
Gigi, maybe everything is peachy with them and maybe, just maybe, she is not that much accepted by the family… I mean who knows? Things are not always what they seem….
By Ziny on April 1st, 2007 at 2:13 am
Positive, I think everyone here agrees with the fact it is GREAT she complainted (sp?) about the press harrassing her…. but it is very strange that she complaints with just onee newspapper.. it should be in general..
And yes, it would not be goodd to be hounded by the press 24/7, but I still try too look good even when I get my trash outm, you never know if I”ll meet my soul mate.. LOL hahahahhahahahaha (just to lighten the mood)
By Ziny on April 1st, 2007 at 2:17 am
Yes Ziny, nothnig wrong with putting on your lips to take out the trash. My point is that Kate does not have to react evenly every time. If someone shouted something that pissed her off, or if she just had enough, then she complained. In any event, I’m behind her. The press hounded her boyfriend’s mother mercilessly. More than anything else I don’t want to see history repeated.
By Positive on April 1st, 2007 at 3:11 am
“The Royal Family either does not perceive the enormity of the situation, or else they are being given very bad advice by persons with an agenda.”
Most respectuflly, after the sad fates of Sarah Ferguson and Lady Diana Spencer as well as Prince Edward’s Royal Family’s day out in medieval clothing about 15 years ago, both of these statements cannot be true.
As a comparrison, the Duchess of Wessex, a pretty middle class girl herself, handled herself fairly well (there were a few gaffs) during her courtship with Prince Edward. As a result, she rebuilt her Prince’s reputation and, we have learned, made his mother laugh again. Not a small feat after what the Queen had suffered.
The Royal family, for completely understandable reasons, is out of touch with everyday life. When they attempt to get in touch with everyday life, it usually goes very bad for them. Prince Williams’ photo with the Brazilian girl and Harry outside of Bijou’s reminds us of this simple truth.
The smartest thing for Prince William to do with Miss Middleton is fish or cut bait now. Getting married ‘early’ was not the mistake William’s parents made. The mistake in the Wale’s marriage was that his father’s ‘entanglement’ prior to the marriage became all-consuming in the mind of his young bride and, eventually again became all-consuming in reality.
By Mrs. Peperium on April 1st, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Clarence House last night refused to discuss Ms Middleton’s case.
The Times (3/30/2007)
Clarence House has no formal links with Ms Middleton, who used the law firm Harbottle & Lewis to lodge her complaint with the PCC. It is believed that Middleton’s lawyers demanded that they should be contacted if the Mirror were considering using any Kate Middleton pictures in the future. A Daily Mirror spokesman said: “We will provide the necessary thoughts and comments to the PCC. We will not be commenting any further at this stage.”
excerpt:
By mandy on April 1st, 2007 at 4:42 pm
I think you guys would like to read this.
By Ziny on April 3rd, 2007 at 3:58 am
What is AHN Media Corp? Are they credible? I don’t believe I am familiar with that company.
By Gigi on April 3rd, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Ziny, the way the law works is that you don’t have to complain in every case, just a bad one. The judgement then acts as a precedent for all other cases and fires a warning shot to all.
In this case, the complaint went to the self-policing Press Compaints Council run by the press itself. The judgement in the Mirror case will have served for all of them. She will also have been briefed by top counsel in media affairs.
I believe she complained most about the using of one picture to suggest there was trouble between her and William. Not exact science, I think
By John on April 4th, 2007 at 9:31 am
Thank you John, for explaining the obvious so succinctly. Kate does not have to challenge every single violation by the press. In other words — in her words so to speak — the press is LYING about her and William’s relationship being on the skids and that’s where she drew the line. They can print all the photos of her they want, but do not lie about her relationship with William. They did it and she came after them.
Former Senator Bob Dole (R-Kansas) said it best when he said to former President George H.W. Bush (father of current U.S. president) in a presidential debate:
“STOP LYING ABOUT MY RECORD.” LMAO
By Positive on April 4th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Well I think the shirt does show a little much and if she doesn’t like it more power to her. They have been hounding her for the longest time… sorry Kate. By the way my name is Alison if you ever see this write me an e-mail just to say hello. Lisaakaliz@aol.com
By Alison on April 5th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Thanks, Alison, but you should beware of publishing your email address on the internet. This site is regularly scanned by robot email harvesters, so expect a mass of offensive spam in your inbox.
Also, not everyone is who they say they are online, so be careful. If you want me to take it off, just let me know in a comment.
Best wishes
John
By John on April 6th, 2007 at 9:28 am
[...] Moving on is going to be tough for her, she will always be known as the Prince’s former girlfriend and, judging by the huge smile she always had, they enjoyed a fabulous romance - up until recently. [...]
By Ellee Seymour - MCIPR, PRESS CONSULTANT, JOURNALIST, POLITICAL AND PR BLOGGER. » The royal split on April 14th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Too true
Now I hope she will never do something disappointing, writing books about their relashionship or something.
By Lilyfromfrance on April 14th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I think Kate has probably known for some time that this romance had run its course, but just didn’t want to admit it to herself, let alone to the public. William will have no problems moving on, his friends will close ranks to support him and there will be plenty of eligible and beautiful young women ready to dance attendance on him. Kate will have to get on with her life and will find out how many of their mutual friends she can count on now that she’s no longer the prince’s girlfriend. She should now do what she failed to do after leaving university – get a career, earn her own money, enjoy her independence. She was beginning to look rather pathetic, a girl who was coming to realise her prince wanted to be elsewhere but didn’t know how to tell her it was over. At least now she can move on, get on with making a career for herself and eventually a happy marriage.
By Elise on April 15th, 2007 at 11:41 pm