The unthinkable...if the lens were a sniper’s rifle
THE royal topless photos row prompted security concerns yesterday amid claims that the Duchess of Cambridge could have been “taken out” by a sniper while sunbathing.
Ex-SAS man Andy McNab raised concerns over the role of William and Kate’s police protection, asking what if the couple were the target of a long-range rifle instead of a lens.
He said: “If you can have a clear sight with a camera you have a clear sight with a rifle. Any decent sniper worth their salt can take out a static target at 600 metres.”
PR guru Max Clifford estimated the snaps would be worth up to £1million in global sales. But he said no UK publication would run them.
Mr Clifford, speaking from his home in Spain, said the episode revives terrible memories. “Prince William lost his mother in France 15 years ago, partly because of the actions of the paparazzi.
“I hope the Royal Family sues the photographer and the magazine that has printed them,” he added.
“Kate had every right to believe she could sunbathe topless where she was, without being the victim of prying eyes.
I hope the Royal Family sues the photographer and the magazine that has printed them
“It may not have been the proper thing to do 50 or 100 years ago, but we are living in 2012.” He also spoke about security. “That could have been a sniper hiding in the bushes armed with a gun instead of a camera, waiting to take Prince William, or Kate, out,” he said.
TV presenter Phillip Schofield agreed, tweeting: “My opinion over these topless photos of Kate?
“What if that long lens had been the sights on a rifle? Where were her security?!”
But former Scotland Yard Commander John O’Connor said: “There would have been a risk assessment which would have been carried out before the visit.
“If it was thought they would have been in danger, they would not have gone, or the level of protection would have been stepped up.”
