Delay in trial over topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge

Back in September 2012, topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge that was taken while she was on a private vacation in France with Prince William were published by the French version of Closer. 

Now it has been announced that the trial of six media representatives over the scandalous photos have been delayed until May.

A new lawyer has recently taken over the case for two of the agency photographers and has asked for the delay in order so they may prepare.

The grainy photos of the Duchess in only a bikini bottom that were shot while at Viscount Linley’s chateau were published by the French edition of Closer, Italy’s Chi, the Daily Star in Ireland and its sister magazines in Sweden and Denmark.

The Royal Family was outraged by the breach of privacy, which was backed by many British publications who refused to purchase the photos.

Those who were meant to go on trial on Tuesday included the editor of Closer, La Provence‘s manager, its photographer and two Paris-based agency photographers. They are charged with invasion of privacy and complicity.

When the photos were first published, Laurence Pieau, editor of Closer, said the photos were not in the “least shocking”.

The magazine has kept the identity of the photographer secret, but legal proceeding taken on by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge could change that. The couple’s lawyer has said that the photos brought back painful memories of Diana, Princess of Wales’ death in Paris when her car crashed after being chased by paparazzi.

Since the beginning of his relationship with Kate, Prince William has been very protective of how the media treats her, worried about a repeat of what his mother had to go through. Prince Harry follows Willam’s concerns, which he made known with the recent issue of a statement in regards to the privacy of his girlfriend, Meghan Markle.

Authorities in France agreed with the Royal Family about banning any further publication of the photos.