The Prince and Princess of Wales have secured victory in their legal battle against Paris Match magazine over privacy violations through a French court.
The publication breached the royal couple’s privacy rights by printing paparazzi photographs taken with long-range lenses during their family holiday in the Alps.
The court determined that the magazine violated the family’s image rights and right to privacy through its coverage.
Ms Sandrine Gil, who presides over the Nanterre Court’s First Chamber, handed down an interim ruling in September that became finalised in October.
The magazine published the contentious material on 16 April 2025, featuring intrusive coverage of what was meant to be a private family break.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have secured victory in their legal battle against Paris Match magazine over privacy violations through a French court.
|
GETTY
Legal action commenced swiftly after the article appeared, with the royal couple initiating summary proceedings on 28 April. This expedited legal route was selected as an alternative to standard privacy proceedings, which can extend over twelve years in France.
An oral hearing took place on 19 June before the Nanterre Court. The presiding judge issued her interim order on 18 September, which received final confirmation on 14 October 2025.
The court’s decision established that Paris Match had violated the privacy and image rights of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.
The ruling specifically addressed both the magazine publication and content shared on Paris Match’s social media channels.
The court mandated that Paris Match must publish an official judicial notice recognising their breach of privacy. Failure to comply carries a financial penalty of €10,000 for each issue until the notice appears.
The magazine must also cover all legal expenses incurred by the royal couple in France.
Although financial compensation was initially pursued, the Prince and Princess of Wales opted instead for the publication requirement, with their French legal representatives informing the court that the matter was one of principle rather than monetary gain.
The required notice has now appeared in Paris Match, formally acknowledging that the publication violated the family’s privacy rights and image protections.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace confirmed the legal victory, stating: “The ruling affirms that, notwithstanding their public duties as members of The Royal Family, Their Royal Highnesses and their children are entitled to respect for their private lives and family time, without unlawful interference and intrusion.”
The palace emphasised the couple’s determination to safeguard their family’s privacy. “The Prince and Princess of Wales are committed to protecting their private family time and ensuring that their children can grow up without undue scrutiny and interference.
“They will not hesitate to take such action as is necessary to enforce those boundaries.”
The royal couple engaged French lawyer Alain Toucas-Massillon through their UK legal team at Mishcon de Reya to handle the proceedings.
