Royal Watch News
Kate Middleton's legal action
Jan 14, 2010, 12:02 GMT
Britain's Kate Middleton is taking legal action after a photographer took her picture on Christmas Day (25.12.09).
The 28-year-old brunette - who is dating future king Prince William - has instructed the royal family's law firm, Harbottle and Lewis to demand damages from the snapper and the agency which distributed the images, Rex Features for invasion of privacy.
The firm has also demanded the pictures - which have been published in Germany but not in the UK and show Kate playing tennis at Restormel Manor, Cornwall - to be withdrawn from circulation.
A spokesman for St James's Palace confirmed to the Guardian newspaper that a "private complaint" was being pursued by Kate for "alleged harassment" of her family on Christmas Day.
The news comes just weeks after Queen Elizabeth contacted newspapers reminding them of their code of practice privacy obligations after getting frustrated about intrusion into the private lives of the royals and their friends.
The move was thought to have had the full backing of high-profile members of the royal family, including Princes William and Harry and their father Prince Charles.
