Prince William was reportedly prepared to confront the press after topless photos of Kate Middleton were covertly snapped and released from their 2012 vacation in France. A new book claims the episode underscored his ongoing anger over invasive media scrutiny, influenced by his mother Princess Diana’s ordeals. Back then, he was described as deeply disturbed by the event and contacted his father and grandmother to inform them of his intent to battle the media. Article continues below advertisement. Prince William Was Prepared to Battle the Press. James Whatling / MEGA. William was said to be “ready to go to war with the press” after private photos of Kate sunbathing topless in southern France were covertly snapped and released. This detail emerges from Russell Myers, author of “William and Catherine,” a book examining how the couple has handled royal family obstacles. The event allegedly took place in 2012, a year post-wedding, on a short trip to the Château d’Autet in Provence. While lounging at the 11th-century estate, a paparazzo photographed Kate unaware. Shortly after, the French magazine Closer released the photos, stunning the couple and triggering a quick reaction. Article continues below advertisement. According to Myers, William, appalled by “the utter violation,” promptly called his father, then-Prince Charles, and his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, expressing his determination to take legal steps. “Years earlier, William had bucked the trend by warning Fleet Street photographers that he wouldn’t put up with a life of intrusion,” Myers said, according to Fox News Digital, highlighting William’s enduring irritation with intrusive media, influenced by the nonstop press hounding his mother, Princess Diana. Article continues below advertisement. The Future King Stood Firm Against Paparazzi to Safeguard Kate’s Privacy. MEGA. The release of the photos reportedly prompted William to take a strong stand against invasive media tactics. He directed his lawyers to pursue the highest possible legal penalties, which were eventually donated to charity. Although Kate maintained a calm public demeanor, insiders at the Palace said William was noticeably distressed, insisting on updates throughout the lawsuit. The pair endured further invasions, as publications such as the Italian magazine Chi and the Irish version of the Daily Star subsequently printed the pictures. Myers noted that “palace staff were outraged, claiming it felt like a return to 15 years prior, to the grim era when Princess Diana was relentlessly pursued by paparazzi to her demise,” and labeled the reporting “grotesque and indefensible.”
