Since July 24, the queen has been enjoying a restful holiday in Balmoral, Scotland at her private residence alongside various family members. But if you’re hoping to see some snaps of the vacation in question, chances are, that won’t happen. According to The Daily Beast, the queen has requested, per her lawyers from British film Farrer & Co, that major British newspapers are forbidden to take or publish any photos of the royal family during their holiday. The outlet shares that, according to the memo sent to publications, people are being “reminded” that Balmoral “is a private estate and whilst there the Royal Family and their guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy.” In addition, the request continues, asking “to ensure that any material, photographic or otherwise, that we may intend to publish is carefully reviewed before publication and in accordance with recent judicial guidance on this topic.”
While this isn’t an especially unusual request for holidays enjoyed by the royal family, sources have confirmed that Queen Elizabeth’s request came out just one day after the news of Prince Andrew’s sexual assault allegations. This timing of this request to publications would suggest that Her Majesty is attempting to protest her son from this bombshell civil lawsuit, despite the severity of his alleged actions.
And indeed, Andrew appears to be receiving protection not only from the queen, but from Buckingham Palace as a whole. Andrew has consistently denied any and all claims, with a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace “emphatically denying” the allegations on his behalf, as well (via Insider).
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).