Prince William was left seething with anger after former U.S. President Donald Trump placed the blame on Princess Kate for a scandal involving topless photos, according to a royal commentator. The incident has resurfaced in public discourse, bringing to light the tensions between the British royal family and the controversial political figure.
The scandal dates back to 2012 when Prince William and Princess Kate, then newlyweds, vacationed in Provence, France. During their private getaway, a paparazzo captured long-lens photographs of Princess Kate sunbathing topless on the balcony of their secluded chateau. The invasive act marked the couple's first significant clash with the press, compelling their representatives to act swiftly to prevent the publication of the images.
At the time, a royal spokesperson expressed the couple’s profound sadness over what they described as a "grotesque and unjustifiable invasion of privacy." Despite these efforts, French publication Closer printed the controversial photos, arguing that the couple was visible from the street and the images were not shocking. Ultimately, the court ruled the publication had breached the couple’s privacy, resulting in fines for those involved. However, the damage was already done, with widespread circulation and commentary on the photographs.
The situation escalated further when Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy. According to Robert Jobson's new book, Trump took to social media, asserting that Kate "only [had] herself to blame" for the scandal. His comments, suggesting that Kate should not have sunbathed nude and implying that anyone would take such a photo for profit, left Prince William infuriated.
Jobson elaborates on the profound impact the affair had on Princess Kate, who reportedly felt "violated" by the incident. The backlash from Trump's comments added another layer of distress to an already sensitive situation.
The BBC's Nicholas Witchell highlighted the royals' incredulity that any magazine would justify publishing such invasive images. Reflecting Prince William's protective nature towards his wife, Witchell noted the unprecedented level of publicly expressed anger from the royal family. William's determination to safeguard Kate's privacy was evident, with his outrage growing throughout the day as the situation unfolded.
Laurence Pieau, the editor of Closer, defended the decision to publish the photos, stating they were not shocking and merely depicted a young woman sunbathing topless, a common sight on beaches worldwide. Despite this defense, the legal repercussions and public outcry underscored the severity of the privacy invasion.
The episode remains a poignant reminder of the relentless scrutiny faced by public figures and the ongoing battle between the right to privacy and the public's insatiable curiosity. As the royal family continues to navigate the challenges of modern media, the incident is a stark illustration of the lengths they must go to protect their personal lives from unwarranted intrusion.