The growing media circus surrounding Kate Middleton and the speculation that she is to be the future Queen of England is getting out of hand. News international today banned the use of all paparazzi images of Ms Middleton but will not refuse images taken by their own photographers.

Georgie Roberts of BBC Breakfast News said “we want to open the debate about paparazzi photographers for tomorrow morning’s breakfast news and we would like Functionpix to represent photographers in this field”. Functionpix London Editor Pascal Molliere said “We have built our reputation on the very opposite of dealing in images that are taken unlawfully and that upset others in any way” he added “Now that digital technology has taken hold of the media photography machine, it is becoming far too easy to wire images all over the world in an instant which is why there are so many paparazzi photographers out there – we do not deal in paparazzi images of any kind”

The BBC said that they support Functionpix’s policy and that they would welcome their comments during the breakfast news broadcast.

Functionpix was the chosen photo organisation to cover the BBC Children In Need event last year in London and they are unique in that they donate profits to charity with the sale of every item.

In scenes similar to that of Diana Spencer as she was leaving for work prior to her engagement to Prince Charles in 1981, Kate Middleton was harassed outside her own home in Chelsea today on her 25^th birthday.

The Sun, Times, Sunday Times and News of the World have vowed not to use paparazzi photos of Miss Middleton but will not agree not to send their own photographers to stand outside Ms Middleton’s house.

The press complaints commission drew up rules and regulations against the use of paparazzi images shortly after the death of Princess Diana. The voluntary Press Complaints Code says: "It is unacceptable to photograph individuals in private places without their consent. Private places are public or private property where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy."