I DO not believe that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge should have been awarded 100,000 euros in damages by a French court just because the Duchess was photographed by the paparazzi as she enjoyed a topless sunbathing session.

Surely the published pictures were not sufficiently hurtful for the royal couple to receive damages, representing several years’ toil for an ordinary citizen of France or the UK. And, to add insult to injury, it appears that William and Kate hoped to scoop more than a million euros in compensation.

To have fallen short by at least 900,000 must have greatly added to the discomfort they suffered as a result of this incident.

This case sets a precedent because, until now, the Royal Family has been reluctant to use the courts, wisely preferring to rely on a dignified silence. Certainly, if they make a habit of litigation, our royals will erode the special aura that still surrounds them in the eyes of some members of the public.

On sunbathing, there’s a simple lesson for top people. If you don’t stand to make a million, keep your top on!

Steve Kay, Redcar & Cleveland Independent Councillor