French lawyers say the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did not deserve a £92,000 payout for topless photos of Kate, which they say was awarded solely because they are Royal.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were awarded the large payout after long-lens images of Kate sunbathing on a terrace were published by France’s Closer magazine in September 2012.
But barristers will argue the sum was excessive because privacy complaint payouts are typically in the range of £100.
In addition, sources close to the case claim they will point to images of the Duchess of Sussex – including a video in which Meghan Markle removes her clothes while grilling meat – as proving modern titled women have used steamy body shots to promote themselves in the past.
The ‘Grilling Never Looked So Hot With Meghan Markle’ video, shot for Men’s Health magazine in 2013, sees the then-actress removing her shirt for the camera before seductively posing in shorts while grilling hamburgers.
The appeal against the £92,000 payout is set to start in the Versailles Appeal Court tomorrow.
Evidence may also include images allegedly depicting the Duchess of Sussex exposing her breasts for the camera on a beach, taken before joining the Royal Family.
While Kensington Palace sources insist the photos were tampered with – and quite possibly stolen – they are widely available online.
A source close to the situation has speculated that other provocative images of Meghan Markle, such as lingerie photo shoots and love scenes from her acting career, may also be used.
Counsel for those convicted may also point to younger Royals increasingly acting like celebrities, and so inviting the kind of media scrutiny experiences by actors and sports stars.
A source says ‘They are happy with sexy photos of themselves when they are in control, but then claim huge amounts of money when they’re unauthorised,’
‘There’s ridiculous hypocrisy involved, and the outrageous compensation figure reflects this.’
