Royal Watch News

Paper won't be investigated over Prince Harry photographs

Sep 7, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Prince Harry

The Sun newspaper will not be investigated for publishing naked photographs of Prince Harry.

British newspapers had been warned by the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) against publishing the images - which were widely available online and in foreign media - which were taken in the prince's hotel suite during a private holiday in Las Vegas but the tabloid defied the advice, arguing the pictures were in the public interest.

Despite receiving around 3,800 complaints from members of the public, the PCC feel it would be 'inappropriate' to conduct an investigation as the royal family have not made a formal complaint and so any inquiries could be 'intrusive'.

The PCC said in a statement it was in 'continuing dialogue' with Harry's representatives but 'as yet has not received a formal complaint'.

It said it would be 'best placed' to investigate the publication of the pictures, 'including the circumstances in which the photographs were taken', if Harry's representatives were formally involved.

It added: 'An investigation by the commission, without consent, would have the potential itself to pose an intrusion.

'The commission is grateful to the many members of the public who have contacted it to express concerns about The Sun's coverage, but has concluded that it would be inappropriate for it to open an investigation at this time for the reasons above.'

However, royal chiefs could still lodge an objection to The Sun's actions.

Asked whether a formal complaint would be made, a St James's Palace spokesman said: 'We are still considering matters and will make a decision in our own time.'