Tuesday, September 25, 2012

THE "CHI" ISSUE

Tonight I'm going to weigh in on the story that won't go away and yes, I have a copy of Chi - it's pronounced "kee", for any Sky presenters who may be reading - the Italian magazine that has published pictures of a topless Kate along with others that have been trumpeted as "even more intimate".  The magazine may have sold out in locations such as Milan and Bologna, but it was still on the newsstands here late on Saturday and in the newsagent's people were talking about but not, for the most part,  buying it.  That may say more about Sicilian spending habits than it does about the quality or otherwise of the publication in question.

Having purchased a copy [because I'm still too British to leaf through it and put it back on the shelf] I can tell you that the answer to the question, "What's all the fuss about?" is, "Very little":  The "intimate" pictures show nothing more than the couple applying sun lotion to each other's backs and a caress of the head, while the young woman sunbathes topless, just as millions of others do - except, of course, that this young woman is the future Queen of the United Kingdom and that is the editor's justification for publishing the pictures.

I have to say that I would have more respect for the editor if he simply admitted to publishing to sell more copies and it is worth pointing out that Chi is the magazine which published photographs of the dying Diana, Princess of Wales some years ago - a more serious lapse of taste with the potential to deeply wound a number of people, including the young man who features so prominently in the September 26th issue.

More interesting, for me, are several interviews in the same issue with key Italian media figures, one of whom, Clemente Minum, director of TG5 news, expresses views which are close to my own:  Mr Minum points out that members of the Windsor family enjoy many privileges, for which being a little more careful about what they say and do seems a small price to pay.

I would add this:  if the Windsors had ever known what it is like to need money - I mean really need it - they might understand that the temptation, for paparazzi and public alike, to photograph them in compromising situations is irresistible.

Back in 1962, the film producer Carlo Ponti who, as the husband of Sophia Loren, knew a thing or two about paparazzi, wrote this:

"Our privacy as a couple is always threatened, and consequently we move from country to country or across the ocean, from house to flat and back again, in the effort to safeguard it.  We don't hold others responsible for this lack of privacy. The fault, if any, lies in ourselves, or rather in our chosen profession."

Prince William of Wales did not choose to be a royal but his wife did.  She has plenty of advisers but an example is close at hand in her grandmother-in-law, the only head of state in the world who could have played the part of a "Bond girl" at the Olympics Opening Ceremony whilst retaining her dignity. Why? Because retaining her dignity is what she has been doing all her life.

9 comments:

amy lucinda said...

I'm afraid I was far too Italian and leafed through most of the magazine at the news stand! hehe

Really liked reading this article (yours, not the K Middleton one!) :)

Patricia said...

I agree with you, Pat. I do not condone some of the tactics used by the paparazzi, but I do think that learning to protect your privacy is part of the price one pays for celebrity, fame and fortune. I have always admired the Queen.

Whispering Walls said...

They have vast estates on which to race around naked far from any roads. I blame their "security staff" for this (and for the Prince Harry photos.

nothing here said...

Duchess Of Cambridge Topless Photos A False Flag In Preparation For Leveson? So to give further excuse to for state Control of the Press

Is the publication of the topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge no more that an act of greed by French and Irish trash publications?


Just a thought

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Haha, Amy Lucinda! Thyank you. Hi, Patricia. As I get older I am softening towards the Queen! Hi, WW. My suspicion is that their minders did warn them but they are dealing, in William, with someone used to doing what he likes. I suppose anything is possible, NH.

Liz Hinds said...

I'm inclined to agree with you, pat.

Trubes said...

Well, I suppose William is doing his best, but in many ways, I think he is a little naive.
Down to the very well paid Minders...
What were they doing ?
God bless Kate and her small well formed boobies, obviously not page three material.
Usually, the Royal Ladies have resplendent, well formed, bussoms,
including Princess Di and old Cammy knickers!
Lol Di..xx

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Thanks, Liz.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Di. My guess is their minders did warn them but it will be a long time before we know. Will be over to your blog shortly. Love to you all. xx woof!

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