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Press stalks 'royal' birthday girl
09/01/2007 16:19 - (SA)
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| Kate Middleton faced a bank of more than 20 photographers and five television crews camped outside her flat in west London, on her 25th birthday, all waiting for an engagement announcement to Prince William. (AP) |
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London - Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton marked her 25th birthday on Tuesday by braving the growing press pack watching her every move, as her lawyers reportedly prepare to move against the media.
The intense spotlight on the photogenic Londoner has drawn comparisons with the young Lady Diana, who was hounded from before her 1981 marriage to Prince Charles and whose death is still blamed by some on stalking paparazzi.
Middleton faced a bank of more than 20 photographers and five television crews camped on Tuesday morning outside her flat in the plush Chelsea district of west London, most of whom had arrived before dawn.
Despite the presence of a police officer, paparazzi blocked her path and when she finally drove away, photographers chased after her car on foot.
Middleton's lawyers are said to be investigating ways of preparing a test case to protect her from the persistent attention as her relationship with William, second in line to the British throne, comes under increasing scrutiny.
Engagement to be announced soon
Speculation has grown that the pair are to announce their engagement soon.
Newspapers reported that the law firm Harbottle and Lewis has sent letters to media organisations warning that they could face legal action.
The Press Complaints Commission has indicated that it would support any official complaint from Middleton's lawyers.
"We have dealt with thousands of cases where we call people off from harassing others - with success," PCC spokesman Tim Toulmin told London's Evening Standard newspaper.
Newspapers banned from using paparazzi pictures
"We deal with these complaints informally and quickly and I cannot think of a case where it has not worked."
News International, the British subsidiary of media baron Rupert Murdoch's News Corp empire, has banned all its newspapers from using paparazzi pictures of Middleton.
A spokesperson confirmed the self-imposed move, which will affect mass-market tabloids The Sun and News of the World as well as The Times, The Sunday Times and evening freesheet thelondonpaper.
Meanwhile a spokesman for Clarence House, the office of William's father Prince Charles, said: "Ms Middleton is a private individual and as such can expect to have the privacy and private life that would be enjoyed by any member of the public."
It was thought unlikely that Middleton would get to celebrate her birthday with William, 24.
The prince on Monday spent his first official day as an Army officer in the Blues and Royals regiment of the Household Cavalry.
The second lieutenant, known as Cornet Wales in the Army, is at the Combermere Barracks in Windsor, west of London.
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