Duchess of Cambridge: September 2012

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Kate Middleton, Prince William Get Injunction Against French Mag Republishing Topless Pics

A French court granted Prince William and Kate Middleton's request for an injunction against Closer magazine's further publication of photos of Middleton topless, the BBC reported.

As we wrote, last week Closer magazine ran the photos of the royal couple sunbathing "on the terrace of a mansion" on a "private holiday," and the pair quickly filed an invasion of privacy lawsuit. Today the French court "banned a French magazine from re-publishing or distributing photographs in France of the Duchess of Cambridge sunbathing topless" and ordered it to "hand over the original photographs within 24 hours or face a daily fine of 10,000 euros (£8,000)," according to the BBC. The court decided that the photos are "by nature particularly intrusive."

The BBC noted that the injunction against publishing only applies in France and to "pictures that have already been published." (Italian magazine Chi, owned by the same publishing company as Closer's French edition, published the photos this week.)

Separately, Michael O'Kane was suspended as the Irish Daily Star's editor after running the photos, Sky News Newsdesk's Twitter account reported.

As we've written, O'Kane defended running topless photos of Kate Middleton, claiming that the publication was "a service to our readers." The owner of one of the two companies that owns the Daily Star, Richard Desmond, said he was "very angry" by the Daily Star's publishing the pictures and that he was "taking immediate steps to close down the joint venture."

ITV News published a statement from the newspaper's owner, Independent Star, that explains:

"Independent Star Limited has suspended editor Michael O'Kane with immediate effect, pending an investigation into the circumstances that led to the Irish Daily Star re-publishing pages from the French magazine 'Closer', which contained images of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Independent Star Limited has no further comment pending conclusion of the joint investigation by the newspaper's shareholders."

Yesterday, Ireland's press ombudsman John Horgan told iMediaEthics that his office hadn't received any complaints "by, on behalf of, or with the permission of" Kate Middleton about the photos.

We've written to Closer for comment and will update with any response.

Kate Middleton Closer Magazine French Photos

Kate Middleton Topless Photos in Closer Magazine

Kate Middleton Closer Magazine French Photos

The British royals are suing Closer magazine after it published topless photos of Kate Middleton French magazine Closer published a series of photos of Britain's Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, sunbathing topless on Friday. Closer says the pictures will appear in its latest issue, due to be released on 14 September.
The photos disappeared from their site hours after the magazine's brand owner, the U.K.-based Bauer Media, demanded that they pull the photos down and desist from publishing any further pictures, calling the so-called scoop a "gross intrusion of their Royal Highnesses' privacy."

Kate Middleton Closer Magazine French Photos

Kate Middleton Bikini Photos

A French magazine plans to release topless photos of Kate Middleton, Prince William’s wife. This plans sparked public outrage in British.

The Closer magazine claims to have bought a number The Duchess of Cambridge’s photos in topless while sunbathing by the pool on her first holiday with her husband in Provence, France, last week.

In a recent photo cover released on their website today, we can see 3 photos of Kate and William in disguise. The edition which will publish on Saturday is titled “OH MY GOD – the photos that will go around the world”.

“Look at the amazing photographs of the Queen candidates you’ve never seen before … and you probably will never see again,” said a little review of the French language tabloid, as reported by news.com.au.

Judging from these photos, it seems that Kate and William are not aware that their movements was secretly captured on their holiday in Chateau d’Autet, Luberon, France, which is known to be a private home own by Viscount Linley, the Queen of England’s nephew.

The announcement of the French magazine triggers public outrage and protests from many British media. In its front page, the British media ‘The Mirror’ writes “Kate’s agony at topless pictures: French mag prints Sneaky snaps of the Duchess sunbathing on private holiday”.

“our future queen is going to be embarrassed after photos were taken when she and Prince William are enjoying the sun on vacation this month, it will revealed to the public,” writes The Mirror.

“Kate and Wills thought that they could not be photographed while staying at the Chateau D’Autet, Provence, which is owned by the nephew of the Queen of England. But the French magazine ‘Closer’ managed to get a picture of them, while in the pool – including half-naked Kate photos “The source added.

It will be a great shame because it would be an international spotlight, especially after Prince Harry’s nude photos in Las Vegas, which published by the American gossip site, TMZ, some time ago.

William and Kate Visit World Vision Project + Prime Minsiter's Office In Honiara

William and Kate kicked off another day of engagements with a call on the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet at the Prime Minister's office. The couple wore gift necklaces presented to them by the PM with "Princess Kate" and "Prince William" emblazoned on them.

Max Foster CNN

Kate's official title is Duchess of Cambridge but as the informative @MaxFoster CNN noted "Official titles aren't everything". It's a beautiful gift.

Max Foster CNN

Following the meeting, the couple travelled to a cultural village, Burns Creek, in Honiara where they viewed performances by the nine provinces that make up the nation. Each performance was given in front of a house built in accordance with the traditions of that particular province.

World Vision Asia Twitter

William and Kate watched Island warriors doing fearsome traditional dances to the sound of pan pies.

Rebecca English Twitter

The Cambridges braved the rain to learn more about village life and poverty in the Solomon Islands.

World Vision

William and Kate broadened their understanding of aid and development in the South Pacific when they met community members such as Louise Whitney and her baby who are working their way out of poverty with the help of World Vision. Louise has survived an abusive relationship and with business training is now able to support her family with a store.

World Vision

Louise said she was "so excited to meet the Duchess and tell her all about my little shop in Burns Creek."

World Vision Asia Twitter

The Duke and Duchess also met Ellison Maitaifiri who works with youth in the nearby Burns Creek settlement.

World Vision

Ellison spoke about meeting the royals:

'They greeted me like we'd met before. I told them about our community savings project. They asked lots of questions. They wanted to know why we didn't go to the bank and I explained that people can't read or write. I was so honoured to meet them. Last night I couldn't go to bed early.

And the lasting impression he feels the visit will have:

'Our community has never seen a couple like that before, and they got to shake their hands. For the past few years we haven't felt part of Honiara. Today we feel powerful and we feel recognized'.

World Vision has been working with the community for the past eighteen months to change attitudes towards substance abuse and violence, and to create opportunities for youth through education and training.

World Vision's Country Program Director Andrew Catford spoke about the royal visit:

'We are honoured to host such an influential pair of young leaders. Our goal is that they'll walk away with an understanding about how we are empowering communities to overcome poverty in the Solomon Islands'.

Put simply, World Vision is building a better world for children and it would be wonderful to see the charity highlighted. No doubt this is exactly where William and Kate would wish the spotlight to focus.

Rebecca English Twitter

If you wish to sponsor a child you can find all relevant information here. For about $1 a day, you'll provide children in need with access to life-saving basics such as clean water, nutritious food, healthcare and education.

World Vision

You can also visit the World Vision Online Shop.

World Vision Online Shop

The couple met Burns Creek piglets. William suggested 'Will and Kate' as possible names. :)

World Vision

You can follow World Vision News via Twitter and Facebook. The World Vision Blog is an insightful and fascinating read.

World Vision Blog

Royal reporter Rebecca English said both William and Kate thoroughly enjoyed their visit and meeting the locals.

Rebecca English Twitter

A lovely shot of Kate.

Rebecca English Twitter

Kate wore the Pleated Shirted Dress today by British brand Jaeger (with many thanks to Tammie who ID'd the dress via WKW FB). The summer dress features cap sleeves, shirt collar, belt loops and button fastening through the front. The lightweight dress has a full skirt and soft pleating throughout. It is currently reduced from £180 to £75.

Jaeger

The dress is similar to the primrose yellow Jenny Packham dress Kate wore in Calgary during the royal tour in July 2011. The lovely Carly from Kate Middleton Style noted the Jaeger dress was a great alternative at the time. Excellent prediction!

Canadian Heritage Flickr

Kate wore her trusty LK Bennett Sledge Pumps.

LK Bennett

Kate accessorized with her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop Earrings. They are available for £495.

Kiki McDonough

Afterwards, the couple had separate engagements. William briefly attended a conference given for youth leaders from the Commonwealth leaders in the Pacific where he was invited to make some short remarks. The Duke subsequently awarded six Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards to Solomon Islanders and one awardee from Vanuatu. Meanwhile, Kate attended a reception for Solomon Islands women's groups.

Brynnan Facebook

William was given a baseball cap and Kate a beautiful exotic headdress.

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I always find tidbits of information from the tour interesting and thought I would share one from Royal commentator Robert Jobson. Robert spoke with the general manager of the Shangri-La resort in Kota Kinabalu who told him when William and Kate left they said "We wished we could have stayed longer".

A look at the stunning view from their suite. Perhaps they'll be back sooner than expected...

Robert Jobson Twitter

Kate Wears Mulberry To Paradise Island

Following a busy day of engagements William and Kate flew to Marau, which is on the furthest end of the main island Guadalcanal. On arrival the Duke and Duchess were honoured by leaders and members of the local communities.

The welcome ceremony was entirely developed by the local people and locals put garland necklaces made from shell money on the royals.

From a Palace press release:

'The welcome ceremony promises to be a special and memorable moment for Their Royal Highnesses in such a remote and beautiful location, and Their Royal Highnesses are deeply touched by the honour being extended to them on behalf of The Queen'.

The couple proceeded by boat to the island of Marapa, where they visited a village before travelling on a traditional war canoe the short distance between Marapa and Tavinapupu. On arrival, William and Kate received a local musical and dance welcome.

William and Kate retired for the night at the exceptionally beautiful Tavinipupu Resort Hotel.

Tavinipupu

The Duke and Duchess were given a traditional welcome on Tavinipupu island.

British Monarchy Flickr

Tavanipupu is a dream created by English interior decorator Dennis Bellote and his late partner Keith Paske in the 1970's. The island was a coconut plantation in the 19th century, owned by Norwegian Traders who bought it off the locals for ammunition. Due to the past political tensions in the Solomon Islands, Tavinipupu was almost forced to close. However due to the hard work of a few passionate people, the resort still remains today.

Tavinipupu

A look at one of the suites.

Tavinipupu

The lovely Brynnan photographed the couple leaving their hotel earlier. What do you all think of William's pink shirt?

Brynnan Facebook

Kate wore the midnight blue sleeveless collared Mulberry dress from the 2012 Resort Collection (with thanks to Jennifer) The full skirted broderie anglaise dress is beautiful piece and a perfect choice for the occasion. Collared dresses are incredibly popular at the moment and the dress combines that trend whilst remaining a classic piece.