Sarah Ferguson, who was photographed topless sunbathing at a villa in France 20 years ago, says she feels “total sympathy” for the Duchess of Cambridge.
Fergie, the Duchess of York, was photographed having her toes sucked by American businessman John Bryan while sunbathing poolside, were published in 1992. She and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996.
Ferguson had supportive words for Kate Middleton, who is suing a French magazine after it last week printed topless photos of her sunbathing with Prince William at a private villa in France.
The royals’ lawyers are in a Paris court today seeking an injunction to prevent the further publication of the images.
“I have been there and know what it’s like,” the Duchess of York, 52, told the Daily Mail, “Everyone is entitled to privacy. It is a devastating invasion of one’s personal inner space. It is deplorable, abhorrent and despicable.”
Middleton yesterday arrived in the Solomon Islands as part of the royal couple’s tour of South Asia. “She is a beautiful young woman doing a great job for the country,” she said. “Why should she be stripped of that moment with her husband?”
Demurely-dressed Kate was pictured giggling as she was greeted by bare-chested tribal women during a visit to the village of Marau.