Middleton is set to win a controversial claim for alleged invasion of her privacy as photographic agencies try to dig themselves out of expensive court proceedings that they can’t afford to lose.

Middleton is expected to receive at least £10,000 (AUD$17,000) in damages, plus legal costs, after she threatened to sue a British photographer and two picture agencies over images taken of her at Christmas, The Sunday Times reports.

Middleton instructed her lawyers to seek damages and take action if she did not receive an appropriate response. One source told The Times: “They are trying to crucify the photographer; maybe they want to set an example.”

Middleton’s claim rests on privacy law that is developing in the courts rather than parliament. Judges are trying to find a balance between freedom of expression against respect for private life, which are enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.

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The Royal family is not involved in the proceedings, but said they are following the case.

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