Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has warned newspapers against publishing paparazzi photographs of members of the royal family in a sign of growing exasperation about intrusion into their private lives.
The queen’s lawyers have contacted newspapers informing them of privacy obligations under their own code of practice.
The move is thought to have the full support of high-profile members of the royal family such as the Prince of Wales and his sons, princes William and Harry.
The first test of the new approach is likely come in the next few weeks when the royal family gather as is tradition at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk for Christmas.
Prince William previously voiced concern after his girlfriend, Kate Middleton, was hounded by the paparazzi in 2007.
Anti-royalty campaigners Republic, who have called for the monarch to be replaced by an elected president, said the royal family must be open to scrutiny.
Spokesman Graham Smith said: “While everyone has a right to a certain level of privacy, the queen cannot expect the media to dance to her tune. The media are not there to act as promoters of the royals.”