The photographers, who have heeded warnings not to gather outside Miss Middleton’s London home, have adopted a new tactic.
They take turns following her – in cars, on motorbikes and on bicycles – and exchange information by telephone on her whereabouts.
Miss Middleton has complained to Gerald Tyrrell, her lawyer, who also acts for Princes William and Harry, that wherever she goes, a photographer is always one step ahead of her. Miss Middleton, who is hoping to pursue a career in photography, has challenged the photographers, who claim they are acting as paid agents by British tabloid newspapers and magazines.
The daily pursuit has continued even though Prince William, a second lieutenant in the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals, is on a four-month secondment with the Royal Air Force in Lincolnshire.
But because they are rarely seen in public due to the Prince’s military commitments, there is even more interest in a photograph of them together.
Mr Tyrrell, from the law firm Harbottle and Lewis, has written to the Press Complaints Commission to protest. The PCC has secured assurances from all the tabloid editors that the photographers are not in their pay. If the newspapers were paying photographers to stalk the 25-year-old, they would be in breach of the industry’s harassment code, which states: “Journalists must not engage in intimidation, harassment or persistent pursuit. They must not persist in questioning, telephoning, pursuing or photographing individuals once asked to desist.”
Tim Toulmin, the director of the PCC, said: “It is not entirely clear what is going on. But as soon as we were informed of these concerns we contacted newspaper editors.
“The board of the commission discussed the matter at its last meeting. It has said it will take things further if and when it receives any evidence.”
One source close to the royal couple said: “If the newspapers were found to be paying the paparazzi as agents it is a clear breach of the code and we would consider our legal options.”
The couple, who separated last year, have rekindled their romance leading to renewed speculation of a Royal wedding. They spent Christmas apart as William was on regimental duties while Miss Middleton was on holiday in Barbados. They met at Highgrove briefly in the new year before Prince William left for Lincolnshire.
Harbottle and Lewis have already obtained “disturbing” footage of the paparazzi outside Miss Middleton’s London home to support any complaint.
Last year, the Daily Mirror apologised for publishing a photograph of her, after she accused the newspaper of harassment.
