British Royals File Criminal Complaint in Topless Kate Middleton Photo Affair

LONDON - The British royals on Monday formally filed a criminal complaint in France by Kate Middleton and Prince William against the photographer who snapped pictures of the topless Middleton during a vacation in the South of France.

French police are expected to investigate who took the topless photos, which were published in French magazine Closer, part of Silvio Berlusconi's holding company Fininvest, on Friday. The royals had announced the lawsuit, which cites a breach of privacy, late Friday.

Broadcaster ITV reported that they demand the photographer be sent to prison and that an hour-long hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

Other reports Monday said that punishments under French law could include a year-long prison sentence for the photographer and even Closer’s editor.
The royals reportedly also asked for a fine, a prominent apology and a ruling that would stop the further distribution of the images.

Meanwhile, British tabloid the Daily Mail reported that the photographer to be named in court is Valerie Suau and that she has gone into hiding.

It said she has admitted to taking some pictures of the couple, but not the ones showing Middleton topless.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Italian magazine Chi, also owned by Berlusconi, was scheduled to publish 50 photos of Middleton despite the royals' pleas for restraint.

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com

Twitter: @georgszalai