With royal visit, celeb shooters under scrutiny (AP)

LOS ANGELES – More than a dozen years after Princess Diana's death on a Paris highway sparked an international backlash against the photographers who chased her, her son's visit to the paparazzi hotbed of Southern California has officials on high alert.

Prince William and bride Kate will arrive Friday in a state that in the years since Diana's death has passed three laws intended to curb paparazzi abuses. The most recent change, inspired in part by Jennifer Aniston's experiences, raises the penalties for aggressive driving by paparazzi from mere infractions to misdemeanors punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

The newlyweds are two of the world's hottest celebrities right now and law enforcement officials who have hoped for a situation to test the new laws think they may get one when the perfect storm of British and Los Angeles celebrity photographers jockey for shots of the royal couple.

"We want to make sure everybody has a safe trip," Los Angeles police Sgt. Mitzi Fierro said. She said that would extend to residents and the public, not just the heavily guarded royal couple.

Beginning Friday morning, police plan to close the street of the British consul-general's home in Hancock Park, where the couple will stay on their weekend visit. Officers have already obtained "No Trespass" letters from neighbors, which will be used to arrest anyone who enters the adjoining properties to try to get pictures or glimpses of the couple.

"If anybody is behaving inappropriately," Fierro said, "we're going to take whatever legal police action we can to enforce the laws."

That includes a trio of anti-paparazzi state laws that are ostensibly unused and have done little to thin the ranks of those who track celebrities' every move.

Photo agencies expect shots of the newlyweds in LA to sell for anywhere from $25 to $1,000. "Every move they make, everything she does, there will be 10,000 images," Bauer-Griffin photo agency co-owner Frank Griffin said of the upcoming trip.

"This will be a pretty good test of where we're at," said Mark Geragos, a celebrity attorney who has helped clients deal with aggressive shooters over the years.

For the LA equivalent of royalty — movie, television and increasingly, reality TV stars — daily paparazzi interactions fuel their stardom. Yet clashes sometimes occur between photographers and celebrities, such as Russell Brand and Mike Tyson, who were arrested after airport scuffles.

Many are surprised that seven months after the law against aggressive driving went into effect, no one has been charged.

Matt Schonbrun, a deputy Los Angeles city attorney, said he expected to see plenty of cases after the law was passed in January. But reports from celebrities of misconduct haven't come in, and a 911 call documenting a dangerous pursuit is necessary, he said.

Private security firms hired by celebrities even offered to put video cameras in their cars to capture what happens when they are pursued by paparazzi.

"These incidents are happening every day. It's really scary and coming to a critical mass," Schonbrun said. "We need a test case and we want the first ones to be egregious. Once that call is made we can get the ball rolling."

Schonbrun said the main challenge for law enforcement is to prove there was intent to make an image for commercial gain. "We need to establish that the picture is going to be sold and it's an undertaking on our part to follow the money trail," he said.

Kain Guercci, director of operations at Talon Executive Services, an Orange County company that provides security for corporate executives and celebrities, said the lure of a big paycheck makes some paparazzi fearless.

"If I'm getting a picture that will pay between $1,000 and $5,000 and I'm going to get a misdemeanor on my record, it just doesn't compute," Guercci said.

The sponsor of the driving bill, Congresswoman Karen Bass, D-Calif., pushed for the stiffer penalties while in the state assembly, in part because of hearing stories from Jennifer Aniston about being hounded. In one instance, the actress told Bass she had been surrounded by photographers on Pacific Coast Highway and unable to drive away.

Two other laws — which allow celebrities to receive hefty civil judgments if a photograph is taken where they have an expectation of privacy — have been on the books for longer and have gone similarly unused.

Aniston did use one of the laws, which was enacted after an incident involving Arnold Schwarzenegger, to sue a man who photographed her topless at her home without permission in 2005. The case settled before trial, but it appears to be the only time a celebrity has used the civil invasion of privacy provision against a photographer.

Although many stars are passionate about cracking down on aggressive shutterbugs, they are less inclined to be called as a possible witness if a case is brought to trial, Schonbrun said.

In public places, some LA-area police agencies are employing more mundane rules against the paparazzi.

Los Angeles police Cmdr. Kevin McCarthy recalled an instance where he sent officers to the school one of Britney Spears' children was attending. Every time she came to pick the boy up, pandemonium broke out and numerous residents called police.

"These guys were parked on side streets, they just came out of nowhere, double parking in the street, getting as many shots as they could," McCarthy said.

Lt. Tony Lee of the Beverly Hills Police Department said his department in recent years has frequently given traffic citations to aggressive photographers. However, the department hasn't seen a case yet that rises to a level where the new law could be applied.

The LAPD also ran a couple of traffic operations, where motorcycle officers would saturate the route being driven by a celebrity, then pull people over for traffic violations. But such operations did little to deter paparazzi looking for the big-money shot, said McCarthy.

Giles Harrison, a celebrity photographer and owner of London Entertainment Group, said he's witnessed the extra enforcement efforts, including on the beaches of Malibu, where paparazzi are being cited for shooting without a commercial license.

Harrison jokes that he's the "world's most infamous pap" — a reference to a 1998 incident involving Schwarzenegger that partially prompted California's initial effort to reign in the paparazzi. He and another photographer were convicted of misdemeanor false imprisonment and sentenced to jail for boxing in Schwarzenegger and his family as they sat in their Hummer.

Citing the incident and the death of Princess Diana, the California Legislature passed its first anti-paparazzi measure a year later. It created hefty civil penalties available to stars whose privacy was invaded and was used by Aniston in her lawsuit.

Years later during his tenure as governor, Schwarzenegger signed an update that makes outlets that publish illegally-obtained images liable for damages, but that version has never been used.

Their legality remains in question and many First Amendment attorneys doubt they would withstand judicial scrutiny if applied.

Harrison said anti-paparazzi laws are unnecessary, that there are plenty of regulations on the books to protect both stars and private citizens. He blamed many of the incidents of bad behavior on untrained shooters who crossed the line.

And for now, it seems, stars are relying on those already established laws, and the occasional assist from police, to keep from being photographed.

Lee, the Beverly Hills police lieutenant, said some stars who aren't familiar with his city have actually come to the police station asking to be escorted out of town.

"It doesn't happen often," Lee explained, "but if we feel there is a safety risk for them, then we will do what we can to ensure their safety."

___

AP writer Thomas Watkins contributed to this story.

Monaco royal couple host brunch before S.Africa trip (AFP)

MONACO (AFP) – Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, the world's newest royal couple, hosted guests for a private marriage brunch on Sunday a day after their church wedding, the royal family said.

The brunch in the private gardens of the tiny principality's royal palace was prepared by French chef Alain Ducasse, creator of the main wedding feast, along with Joel Robuchon and palace chef Christian Garcia.

The royal couple were due to fly on Tuesday to Charlene's home country South Africa, where the prince was due to attend a meeting of the International Olympic Committee of which he is a member.

The palace said no details of their honeymoon plans would be made public, but a further party was planned on Thursday in Durban, South Africa.

Albert and Charlene married Saturday in front of 800 royal and celebrity guests in an emotional ceremony that ended with fireworks and a ball for 200 of the couple's friends.

Palace officials admitted there had been a "hiccup" in preparations when Charlene learned that Albert may face demands for a paternity test after a claim by a former lover.

Monaco royal wedding: live report (AFP)

1617 GMT: "Compared to yesterday's tense ceremony, the Princess seems a little more relaxed," says AFP's Dave Clark.

"But journalists here and -- judging by Twitter responses -- many viewers out there are a little disappointed by the lack of obvious chemistry.

"He did wink at here earlier, and they shared a chat after the vows, but now they seem to be blanking each other.

"Let's hope it's just the solemnity of the moment -- it is after all a religious and political ceremony as well as the wedding of two lovers.

"We might see a kiss later. After all, as part of the ceremony Albert was asked if he "renounces Satan and all evil desires". He said: "I do". Which is reassuring."

And on that note, we're wrapping up this live report. Thanks for reading, and visit our YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/AFP, for video coverage of the celebrations.

1605 GMT: Communion begins, to strains of Saint-Saens' Symphony Number Three (Poco Adagio).

1603 GMT: Meanwhile, some dark clouds are gathering outside above the Rock of Monaco. Luckily the reception's inside the city's famous casino.

1556 GMT: And there's a final kiss on the lips.

1554 GMT: Back to the service itself. The Archbishop has read the Lord's Prayer, and is blessing the couple.

1548 GMT: And here's some details on the rings: They're 18 carat white gold and platinum, made by the House of Cartier.

1547 GMT: Later on, Princess Charlene is to change into another Armani dress that sounds like a less-formal version of the one she's wearing now -- off-white silk chiffon with a broad neckline and embroidered four-tier train.

The South African princess may be taking her cue from Kate Middleton -- who changed into a simplified version of her Alexander McQueen wedding gown after her marriage to Britain's Prince William in April.

1544 GMT: As this is a Catholic ceremony, the couple will both be taking Holy Communion. The bread and wine are being blessed.

1543 GMT: The soprano Renee Fleming is singing extracts from Mozart's Solemn Vespers.

1542 GMT: Alexandra Hanover reads the Universal Prayers.

1538 GMT: And in a nod to the bride's birthplace, a traditional South African song strikes up, wishing good fortune to the new couple.

1537 GMT: Albert winks at his bride, and seals the deal with a rather awkward kiss.

1536 GMT: Alexandra of Hanover brings the rings.

1535 GMT: The couple are asked to take each other as husband and wife, and both say yes, no doubt to the immense relief of palace officials.

1534 GMT: The witnesses are called... and now it's time for the couple to exchange vows.

1533 GMT: The couple renounce Satan and proclaim their Christian faith.

1532 GMT: Charlene smiles when the Archbishop refers to fidelity and forgiveness, AFP's Laure Brumont can't help noting.

Senior officials in Monaco now privately admit is the "truth" of the rumour that Albert faces a paternity test following a claim by at least one former lover.

There had been claims -- denied by the palace -- that Charlene had threatened to call off the wedding, days before, when she heard about this.

1527 GMT: "It is the god of love that has allowed the meeting of Albert and Charlene," the Archbishop says.

1525 GMT: Later on, Princess Charlene is to change into another Armani dress for the reception -- off-white silk chiffon with a broad neckline and embroidered four-tier train.

It sounds like a less formal version of the one she's wearing now -- in this respect, the South African princess may be taking a leaf out of Kate Middleton's book. Middleton, who married, Britain's Prince William in April,

1523 GMT: The bride looks calm as she listens to the service, kneeling at the altar with Albert.

1520 GMT: Reading in French, the Archbishop begins the marriage service.

1518 GMT: The first reading, the First Letter of St John, is by Charlotte Casiraghi, second daughter of Albert's sister Princess Caroline.

1515 GMT: Charlene's seven young bridesmaids (not six, according to our earlier post), are wearing embroidered taffeta bodices and red and cream striped taffeta skirts with velvet ribbons.

Their outfits are topped off with wide-brimmed straw hats lined with silk and embroidered in cream mimosa, and each has a black velvet choker decorated with a Provencal gold cross donated by the groom.

1513 GMT: We've got some more details on the dress, which has been confirmed as a Giorgio Armani creation -- no surprises there...

Studded in crystal and pearl, it took 2,500 hours to prepare, according to the palace. The embroidery alone took 700 hours, and "kilometres" of platinum-coated thread were sewn into 130 metres of off-white silk.

Charlene's broad swimming champion's shoulders also had to bear the weight of 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 20,000 mother of pearl tear drops and 30,000 "stones in gold shades", the palace announced.

The stones and crystals were arranged in floral patterns and the ensemble was topped off with a long train and subtly embroidered off-white veil made from 20 metres of silk tulle, itself requiring 100 hours of labour.

Albert is wearing the cream summer uniform of Monaco's palace guards, its sleeves embrodered with oak and olive leaves and the front fastened with monogrammed golden buttons.

His chest is emblazoned with medals representing the Order of Saint Charles, the Order of Grimaldi and France's Legion of Honour. His rigid fabric cap is topped off with a rosette representing the Crown of Monaco.

1505 GMT: And the service has begun -- with cries of "Gloria!" from the choir.

1504 GMT: Following her are six bridesmaids, representing the six districts of Monaco.

1503 GMT: Composed and smiling, with her her swept stylishly back, she's now at the altar with Prince Albert.

1501 GMT: Princess Charlene has arrived and is slowly making her way through the chapel on the arm of her father. The sleeveless dress, in ivory, has a long train.

1500 GMT: There's applause as Albert comes down the stairs.

1459 GMT: "We're told that many of Charlene's fellow South Africans have decided to watch the rugby today instead of the wedding, says Dave Clark.

"But there certainly seem to be a lot of them tweeting about it -- so maybe they're not all as tough and sporty as they like to seem, and they're secretly at home enjoying the dresses and the hats?"

1458 GMT: Sarkozy, wearing a black suit without tails, gets a round of applause from the crowd of French tourists watching nearby on big screens.

1456 GMT: France's President Nicolas Sarkozy has arrived, without his pregnant wife Carla Bruni. The cameras have all focused on His Excellency Monsignor Bernard Barsi, Archbishop for Monaco. It looks like the ceremony's about to begin.

1454 GMT: Albert II of Belgium and his wife Queen Paola have arrived, followed by Queen Silvia of Sweden.

1450 GMT: We've had a flood of royal arrivals now: from Monaco, Pierre, Charlotte, Andrea, and Alexandra, all children of Princess Caroline. Following close behind are the Moroccan princesses, Mary, the Crown Princess of Denmark, and Princess Victoria of Sweden.

Representing Queen Elizabeth II of England is her grandson Prince Edward and his wife Sophie. Edward is wearing a Royal Navy uniform -- "Presumably an honorary one," notes Dave Clark, "as he didn't stay long in the forces before leaving to go into television production."

1443 GMT: The bride's family have arrived.

1442 GMT: "We must be getting closer to the wedding itself -- Albert's sisters Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie and their kids have just arrived, to warm applause from the 3,800 of their fellow Monegasques in the outer courtyard," says AFP's Dave Clark.

"The royals do seem to be genuinely appreciated in Monaco, which is so small -- only 7,800 nationals and 35,000 foreign residents -- that you meet many people who know them personally, or went to school with them.

"Then again, as subjects of a state with no taxes to speak of and a policy of prioritising locals for jobs, why wouldn't they like the bosses?"

1440 GMT: Some more well-bred guests arriving: Princess Madeleine of Sweden, and the Count of Paris. Farah Diba, Empress of Iran before the country's 1979 Islamic revolution, is also here.

1438 GMT: A correction -- it's the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra that's striking up with Johann Sebastian Bach's Cantata No 35.

1436 GMT: British supermodel Naomi Campbell has arrived in a green off-the-shoulder number.

"I've just learned that some consider it unlucky to wear green at a wedding," says Dave Clark, "but then Naomi is not afraid of causing a fuss.

"Monaco television claims that she turned down an invite to Kate Moss's wedding to come to Monaco. No idea if that's true, but it must have been a tough call if it is.

"The Monte Carlo symphony orchestra has started a sound check. They sound ready.

"It really is very sunny and hot out there. There are protective cloths shading the courtyard where the wedding is taking place, but it must be hot inside some of those outfits."

1434 GMT: Bringing a touch of European aristocracy to the red carpet is Emanuele Filiberto, the Duke of Savoy, and his actress wife Clotilde Courau, who is in red. Emanuele Filiberto is the grandson of Umberto II, the last king of Italy.

1430 GMT: "Many of the guests arriving are instantly recognisable celebrities, but all seem to have to produce their invitation as the arrive at the palace gate," reports Dave Clark.

"Bernadette Chirac has just arrived, escported by elegantly dressed and tough-looking body guards, but not her elderly husband. The former first lady still seems popular with the crowds, who cheer her, and she waves briefly and mouths "bonjour" to onlookers.

"Not many guests have brought their kids, but French style icon Ines de la Fressange did, and is taking pictures of them in the courtyard.

"Another young family just arrived, with three excited but slightly awed looking young girls with pretty dresses. No idea who they were, but I bet they won't forget the day they met the princesses," says Clark. Who adds, uncertainly: "Unless they were princesses."

1427 GMT: World motorsports chief Jean Todt has arrived with his wife, the actress Michelle Yeoh. Along with Roger Moore, Yeoh brings a touch of James Bond glamour to the festivities -- she co-starred with Pierce Brosnan in the 1997 Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies".

1419 GMT: More details of those latest arrivals from my colleague Dave Clark.

"The guests are pouring in thick and fast now, ferried in from the presitigious Hotel de Paris, near the Casino, and other luxury addresses.

"Lots of sportsmen, models and fashion designers. Former James Bond actor Roger Moore is a Monaco resident and big crowd favourite. Big cheers for Karl Lagerfeld, a good friend of Charlene's, who has shot many of her most famous photo portraits.

"Prince Emmanuel de Svoie and wife French actress Clothilde Coureau are en route.

"Giorgio Armani is tanned a dark teak colour, arriving on the arm of an extraordinary tall woman in sweeping elegant dress. Pre-wedding rumours have been unanimous that Charlene's dress will be Armani, but the details are still firmly under wraps."

1417 GMT: An impressive trio of fashion giants has arrived: Italy's Roberto Cavalli, Germany's Karl Lagerfeld, and Italy's Giorgio Armani.

French model Ines de la Fressange, looking very elegant in black, has also arrived with her two daughters.

1413 GMT: Joining the list of sports stars on the list -- both bride and groom have represented their countries at the Olympics -- is former Romanian tennis player Ilie Nastase, one of the top players of the 1970s.

1410 GMT: Hot on his heels is Michel Roger, Monaco's Minister of State.

1409 GMT: Monaco's mayor, Georges Marsan, has arrived to great applause.

1408 GMT: And we've had the first casualty of the day. Attempting to make a graceful exit from her car, a guest promptly topples over on her high heels.

1405 GMT: With the sun beating down on the crowd, hats are de rigeur. There's a few shouts for water to be handed out, too.

1402 GMT: A few members of the press appear to have forgotten they're here to work. "Some journalists are having their pictures taken in front of the palace by their colleagues," says an AFP correspondent.

1359 GMT: Upon arrival, the VIP guests step onto a red carpet, embroidered in white, and are promptly saluted by the Prince's uniformed guards.

1358 GMT: French electropop pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, in an open-necked shirt, has arrived to great applause after last night's spectacular light and sound show over the city.

1349 GMT: The weather's looking good: "Warm, with a few light clouds," says my colleague Laure Brumont at the palace.

1345 GMT: "Celebrities have begun to arrive at the palace for the religious ceremony, ferried to the red carpet in a fleet of 200 BMW 7 Series cars," AFP's Dave Clark adds.

"No global stars yet, but we have seen French tennis star of yesteryear Henri Leconte and television quiz show hostess Victoria Silvstedt."

1343 GMT: "A few hundred tourists are scattered along the route between the Rock of Monaco (a 141-metre, or 459-foot tall monolith on the principality's coast) and the chapel, trying to get the best seats," says my colleague at the scene.

"But attendance is very sparse at the moment."

1339 GMT: So what can we expect during Saturday's celebrations?

One thing's for sure, there'll be plenty of glitz, glamour and big names at the wedding feast, which will be held later at Monaco's famous casino.

The most senior guest will be France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose pregnant wife Carla Bruni is holidaying at her family's nearby villa.

Britain's royals will be meanwhile be represented by Elizabeth II's son Prince Edward.

Armani-clad Princess Charlene and her new husband plan to cross the city state in an open topped Lexus hybrid, a gesture to the prince's green credentials amid otherwise extravagant scenes of champagne quaffing and fireworks.

Indeed, whatever carbon is offset by the couple's choice of vehicle, will itself be more than compensated for by the 200-strong fleet of BMX 7 Series saloons that will ferry the guests to the ceremony.

Several more European and African kings and princes will be there, along with supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and several sporting friends of Albert and Charlene, who have both represented their countries at the Olympics.

1330 GMT: Welcome to AFP's live coverage of the wedding of Monaco's Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock, which has seen hundreds of world leaders, fellow royals and stars of sport and fashion descend upon the tiny Mediterranean realm.

Here's a quick round-up of the celebrations so far:

- Saturday marks day two of the nuptials, after yesterday's civil ceremony in the palace throne room. It's set to be marked with a spectacular open-air religious ceremony in front of 800 guests and 3,500 subjects in the palace courtyard.

- Organisers hope the spectacle will overshadow what senior Monaco officials now privately admit is the "truth" of the rumour that Albert faces a paternity test following a claim by at least one former lover.

- There had been reports in the run-up to the wedding that the new Princess Charlene, a South African former Olympic swimmer, threatened to leave when she learned her prince's latest secret.

- Albert is, at 53, two decades older than his bride. He has two children from previous relationships, but even if a third or a fourth is confirmed he will still not have an official heir until his wife bears him one.

- Charlene appeared tense but poised at Friday's civil marriage ceremony in the throne room, but relaxed slightly at a buffet reception for Monaco's people, where she posed for pictures and hugged babies.

- Later, she and the prince joined an estimated 80,000 people -- double the normal population of the state -- at the waterfront for a spectacular sound and light show by veteran French electropop pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre.

Cheers and some boos greet royal tour in Quebec (Reuters)

MONTREAL (Reuters) – Well-wishers outnumbered anti-monarchist protesters greeting Britain's Prince William and Kate on Saturday as the royal newlyweds' tour of Canada arrived in French-speaking Quebec.

No violence was reported, but groups supporting Quebec nationalism reminded onlookers the monarchy is still a touchy subject in Quebec, where Britain's defeat of France in 1759 gave it sovereignty over Canada.

One protest sign in English read; "Parasite Go Home" while another read in French; "Free Scotland. Free Quebec" according to Reuters photographers on the scene.

The protesters used megaphones to shout over a line of riot police, but their calls were often countered by chants from the larger crowd supporting the nine-day visit that began on Thursday in the national capital Ottawa.

Monarchy supporters hope the tour will reinvigorate the royal family's image in Canada, which they would also nominally rule if they eventually become king and queen of Britain.

Aides say the couple are enjoying the visit, and have occasionally fallen behind schedule after taking more time than had been scheduled to greet well-wishers.

The couple visited a hospital neonatal unit, then went to a cooking school where they donned chefs' uniforms to cover William's dark blue suit and Kate's gray Kensington dress as they prepared food during a cooking lesson.

The couple are scheduled to spend the night on a Canadian Navy frigate as it travels down the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Quebec City.

(Reporting by Louise Egan, Chris Wattie and Christine Muschi; Writing by Allan Dowd in Vancouver; Editing by Eric Walsh)