Photographer who took Kate pictures may never be known

Published on 18/09/2012 00:00

The photographer who took topless pictures of the duchess might never be brought to justice, a senior French media lawyer said yesterday.

The royal couple have called for the “stiffest punishment possible” for the paparazzo who snapped the shots and France’s Closer magazine, which published them.

Penalties technically include a one-year prison sentence for the editor and the photographer, as well as heavy fines under France’s strict privacy laws.

But media lawyer Richard Malka said it was “unlikely” the identity of the paparazzo who staked out the couple’s south of France holiday château would ever be known.

Mr Malka, who has represented dozens of celebrities in privacy cases, added: “The judge will try to find the name of whoever took the pictures.

“But this is a very difficult task when media organisations argue that they must protect their sources.

“It’s likely, therefore, that the person who took the pictures will remain unknown.”

He said Closer could be fined up to £40,000 for publishing the photos.

William and Kate could win another £40,000 in compensation over the 13 photos it printed of them sunbathing at Lord Linley’s château in Provence last week.

The full criminal hearing for breach of privacy might not take place for several months, Mr Malka said.

He added: “Whatever the court rules, the paparazzo who took the pictures will still be free to sell them again to anyone who wants to buy them.”