There's a New Development in the Kate Middleton Topless Photo Case
Ugh, at all of this.

While vacationing in southern France in 2012, Prince William and Kate Middleton were photographed without their consent by paparazzi, who managed to snap photos of the duchess sunbathing nude—including one where William is rubbing sunscreen on her. St. James's Palace issued a statement after the photos were published in French magazine Closer (saying they were "reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales") and the royal family swiftly took action.
The French editor who published the photos argues the photos offer a "flattering portrayal" of the royal couple, according to ABC News. She also claimed that the balcony where they were seen gets passed by "thousands of cars" every day, and that "security was more an issue rather than media frenzy."
Thanks to a lawsuit against photographers and editors of Closer, the magazine might have to pay 1.5 million euro for damages. The thing is, a court in Nanterre just reportedly postponed the ruling from July 4th until September—which means Kate and William have to wait a few more months until justice is (potentially) served.
The trial began in May, at which point the couple's lawyer Jean Veil released the following statement from Prince William:
"In September 2012, my wife and I thought that we could go to France for a few days in a secluded villa owned by a member of my family, and thus enjoy our privacy. We know France and the French and we know that they are, in principle, respectful of private life, including that of their guests. The clandestine way in which these photographs were taken was particularly shocking to us as it breached our privacy."
As previously mentioned, Kate and William are seeking fines of 1.5 million euros.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Zoë Kravitz Is the Latest New Yorker to Break the Flip-Flop Rule
She makes it look so easy.
-
Who Needs a Blow Dryer? Olivia Palermo's Bob Says No Thanks
Wet hair, don't care.
-
I'm Officially Swapping Baseball Caps for Kendall Jenner's Straw Hat
In true Hollywood form, she's not the only one inspiring me.
-
Why Princess Diana Once "Canceled Lunch" at Kensington Palace to Take Prince William and Prince Harry to McDonald's
A former royal chef revealed the relatable reason Diana took her kids to the popular fast food chain.
-
Why Princess Diana Felt "Let Down Terribly" on Her Wedding Day When Her Mother "Kept Crying"
"She kept...saying that she couldn't cope with the pressure."
-
The "Staggering" Drug Smuggling Shipment Prince William Helped Intercept With the Royal Navy in 2008
William experienced "a lot of excitement and a lot of danger," per a royal expert.
-
How Prince William and Princess Kate Are "Preparing" George, Charlotte, and Louis for "Their Future Roles" Within the Royal Family
"William takes his responsibilities...very seriously," a royal expert explained.
-
I Dressed Like Princess Diana For a Week—and Something Unexpected Happened
Call it the Diana Effect.
-
Princess Diana "Wound Down Her Window" and Gave a Bride Some Brutal Advice After Her Divorce From Prince Charles
Someone track this couple down ASAP.
-
Prince William and Prince Harry Could Be "Tempted" to Secretly Bid on Their Mother's Outfits in New Auction
Who could blame them?
-
Princess Kate Embraces the Déjà Vu Blue Trend For Surprise Appearance—And Her Necklace Is On Sale
And her necklace is on sale.