Holidays in Provence
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose the French region of Provence as their holiday destination in 2012, to spend some quiet time on the coast. But in the end, it turned out to be anything but that, as the press wouldn’t leave the Prince or his wife alone the whole time.
They were staying in a villa that belongs to the nephew of Queen Elizabeth II, but even on private property, they weren’t able to enjoy much privacy.
The paparazzi attack
No strangers to harassment from the intrusive paparazzi, the Royal Family is used to strong attention from the global media. But back in 2012 French publication, Closer, took it a step too far. Intruding on their private holiday in Provence, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge saw their privacy once again violated. The magazine published pictures of Kate without a bikini top on. A matter that the Royal Family did not take lightly.
Taking the French company to court, the Royal Family sued the company for hundreds of millions. During the trial, Prince William read out a letter in which he explained how this scandal reminded him one the one his mother, Princess Diana, suffered.
In September 2017 two senior editors at Closer magazine were fined €45,000 each by a French court for publishing the photos but they are now back in court protesting the fines, alongside the two photographers who took the pictures. Their lawyers have argued that the photos were in the public interest and showed the royals in a positive light.
The Royal Family’s strict protocol
The members of the Royal Family have to stick to some pretty strict protocols that affect every aspect of their life, from what they wear to how they act both in public and privately.
When it comes to what they wear, they’re not allowed to choose what they want. Members of the Royal Family are prohibited from wearing fur and when they travel, they must always carry a black piece of clothing in their suitcase. The children have to wear shorts until they are 8 years old except for special occasions, like for Prince George at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding.
There are also rules that affect other aspects of their lives, which could be considered crazy. Members of the Royal Family aren’t allowed to eat garlic, as the queen hates it. They also can’t start eating before her and must stop eating once the Queen has finished.
Monopoly is strictly forbidden in the royal house. They aren’t allowed to eat seafood when they are travelling, nor can they drink tap water. Additionally, the British Royal family is the only family in England that doesn’t open their Christmas presents on the 25th. Instead, they open them on the 24th at tea time – just a bit strange.
