Press Freedom

A year after phone hacking scandals led to the closure of one of the UK’s biggest newspapers, this week has seen the debate about press freedom and privacy back in the public eye with topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge being published in a French magazine.

I firmly believe that a free press is an essential pillar of democracy, and that it is important for different points of view to be heard. However taking photographs of any couple on holiday on private property is nothing less than a gross invasion of their privacy, whether it is the man next door and his wife or the heir to the throne. The publication of these photos is in no way beneficial to the public interest and it is disappointing that there is still a demand for this kind of material.

It is hardly surprising that the couple have responded by taking legal action, given the role played by the paparazzi in the untimely death of Princess Diana. To the credit of the British press, they have refused to play a part in the affair, although the ongoing Leveson Inquiry and the fear of a readership backlash may be contributing to their cautiousness.

Some celebrities may seek out the limelight, their careers depending on coverage from gossip magazines; this does not apply to the Duke and Duchess. As public figures they carry out their duties with modesty and good grace and have little private time to themselves. The press and the public should respect this privacy.