QUEEN WARNS OVER PAPARAZZI PHOTOS

The hard line follows growing exasperation about intrusion into the private lives of the Royal family and their friends.

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.

Paddy Harverson, the Prince Charles's communications secretary, explained: "Members of the Royal family feel they have a right to privacy when they are going about everyday, private activities.

"They recognise there is a public interest in them and what they do, but they do not think this extends to photographing the private activities of them and their friends."

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.

Previously freelance photographers have spent many hours monitoring the area to get pictures of the family on the estate.

But this year photographers will be monitored on public roads around the area.

William has previously voiced concern after his girlfriend Kate Middleton was hounded by the paparazzi in 2007.