January 9, 2007

NI bans Middleton paparazzi pics

News International has imposed a ban on all its titles, including the Sun and the News of the World, publishing paparazzi photographs of Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton.

The ban comes amid reports that Ms Middleton's solicitors, Harbottle & Lewis, are preparing to go to the Press Complaints Commission about increased media intrusion into her life.

Following speculation that Prince William is preparing to propose to Ms Middleton, paparazzi follow Ms Middleton constantly, including when she drives to work. Her solicitors reportedly hold fears for her safety.

Her 25th birthday today has also ignited fresh interest from the media, with the BBC running a photo gallery on its website.

It is understood that the News International executive chairman, Les Hinton, has decided that the ban will apply to all News International publications, including the Times and Sunday Times and the freesheet the London Paper.

Mr Hinton is also chairman of the PCC code of practice committee, a body of newspaper editors that monitors the code of practice and responds to public comment about it.

His stance will put pressure on other newspapers to join the self-imposed ban on paparazzi snaps of Ms Middleton.

The last time UK newspapers adopted such a self-imposed ban on paparazzi shots was after the death of Princess Diana in 1997, although this proved to be relatively short-lived.

Since the death of Diana, celebrities have become increasingly successful in fighting for their privacy in the law courts.

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