Royal Watch News

Gun in Pippa Middleton row branded a fake

Apr 17, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Pippa Middleton

Photographers have claimed the gun Pippa Middleton's friend aimed at them was a plastic toy model.

The sister of Britain's Duchess Catherine was in the France over the weekend for a fancy dress party, and while in a soft-top car with some pals the driver pulled out the weapon and pointed it at the paparazzi, an arrestable offence in the country.

However, the paparazzi have claimed the whole incident has been blown out of proportion.

One photographer told French magazine Gala: 'We followed Pippa since the beginning of the day. She was so cool, we even talked to her and her friends. The weather was beautiful outside, the atmosphere was really relaxed.

'When the driver pulled the toy gun, it was just a joke, to have fun, it was friendly. A few minutes later when the car was parked, I touched the plastic gun that the driver showed me. It can be found in any toy store. It's a shame to see the extents that this story takes.'

However, even if it was fake, those involved could face two years of imprisonment.

Officials for Prince William's sister-in-law and the royal family have refused to comment on the incident.