William and Kate Win Privacy Lawsuit Against French Magazine/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Prince William and Princess Kate have won a privacy case against French magazine Paris Match over unauthorized photos of their family skiing in the Alps. A French court ruled the images violated their privacy and children’s image rights. The royal couple vows continued legal action to protect their family’s private life.
Royal Privacy Victory Quick Looks
- Prince William and Princess Kate sued Paris Match over 2025 photos.
- The images showed the couple and children on a private skiing trip.
- A French court ruled the publication violated their right to privacy.
- Photos captured with long lenses were deemed “grossly intrusive.”
- The royals’ office emphasized their children’s right to grow up privately.
- The magazine was ordered to print a notice acknowledging the ruling.
- UK press generally honors an agreement to respect royal children’s privacy.
- International media, including French outlets, are not bound by the same pact.
- The couple previously won a 2012 case over topless photos of Kate.
- William and Kate say they will take action to defend family boundaries.
Deep Look
William and Kate Win Privacy Case Against French Magazine Over Family Holiday Photos
LONDON — Prince William and Princess Kate have secured a legal victory in their ongoing campaign to protect their family’s privacy. On Thursday, Kensington Palace confirmed that the royal couple won a lawsuit against French magazine Paris Match, which had published unauthorized long-lens photographs of their private skiing holiday in the French Alps.
The images, taken in April 2025, featured William, Kate, and their three children — Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7) — enjoying family time on the slopes and relaxing on the balcony of a chalet. The photos were accompanied by an article that, according to the court and the couple, violated their privacy.
In its latest issue, Paris Match published a notice stating that a judge at the Nanterre Judicial Court ruled the publication infringed on the family’s rights to privacy and control over their public image.
Kensington Palace issued a strongly worded statement following the ruling:
“The Prince and Princess of Wales are committed to protecting their private family time and ensuring that their children can grow up without undue scrutiny and interference. They will not hesitate to take such action as is necessary to enforce those boundaries.”
The royal couple’s legal team argued that the publication of the article and photographs represented a “gross intrusion” into their private lives, particularly targeting their children’s right to privacy. The French court agreed, reinforcing previous legal protections awarded to public figures — even royalty — regarding personal and family life.
Media Ethics and International Boundaries
While the British media largely adheres to an understanding with the royal family that ensures minimal intrusion in exchange for periodic official photos, this informal pact doesn’t bind foreign outlets. French media have been at the center of several high-profile privacy disputes involving the royal couple.
The couple’s most notable previous legal clash occurred in 2012, when Closer magazine published topless photos of Kate taken at a private villa in southern France. After years of litigation, the couple was awarded tens of thousands of euros in damages for the breach of privacy — and the case helped reinforce European privacy laws concerning celebrities and public figures.
Children at the Center of the Dispute
This latest case underlines William and Kate’s continued efforts to shield their children from invasive press attention. While Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis appear occasionally in official portraits or public events, the family has drawn a clear line around private holidays and unsanctioned photography.
The palace emphasized that their goal is not to retreat entirely from the public eye, but to prevent intrusive and potentially harmful media exposure, particularly when it involves their young children.
Legal analysts say the win could have broader implications for privacy cases involving public figures — especially in cross-border contexts where legal standards differ widely between countries.
Ongoing Royal Media Strategy
William and Kate have carefully balanced public interest with private life since becoming senior working royals. While the press occasionally raises questions about transparency, especially when royal duties intersect with taxpayer-funded expenses, the couple’s consistent stance on media intrusion has been largely supported by the British public.
With the media landscape becoming more global and digital, managing international coverage presents an increasing challenge. Photos and stories can spread worldwide within minutes, often bypassing domestic media standards and regulations. The royal family’s legal strategy now appears to involve taking action in jurisdictions where such violations occur — as seen in this case.
What’s Next?
It’s unclear whether Paris Match will appeal the decision or whether any financial penalties were imposed. However, the legal precedent adds to a growing list of successful privacy rulings by European courts involving high-profile figures.
Kensington Palace reiterated that the Prince and Princess will continue to defend their family’s right to privacy, particularly when the well-being of their children is at stake.
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