EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: Inside the thorny subject of Kate Middleton appearing topless within sight of paparazzi during a Provence holiday

Former Buckingham Palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter broaches the touchy subject of the Princess of Wales appearing topless in full view of paparazzi during her 2012 holiday in Provence.

In a Channel 5 documentary, Arbiter blames security flaws for the long-lens photographs taken from public roads near the future Lord Snowdon’s compound.

Photos were published worldwide, but not in Britain. William successfully filed a lawsuit and won significant damages.

In the diptych Kate, Arbiter says: ‘You don’t expect to be photographed on a private property, but if you can be seen from a public point of view, then that is somewhat your own fault!’

The Prince and Princess of Wales in December. Photos of Kate were published worldwide, but not in Britain. William successfully filed a lawsuit and won significant damages

Kate Middleton at Christmas Day church service, St. Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham, Norfolk

Princess Beatrice’s pregnancy prevented her from flying abroad for Christmas, leaving her with the difficult choice between father Andrew, who lives alone at home, or uncle Charles.

She chose the King. Are the Yorks okay? Beatrice, once one of the tightest family units, has apparently refused to show public support for Dad since the fatal Newsnight interview.

Are you still upset that Andrew used her at a birthday party at Pizza Express as a reason why he couldn’t have had a close encounter with Virginia Giuffre?

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Her pregnancy prevented her from flying abroad for Christmas, leaving her with the difficult choice between father Andrew, who lives alone at home, or uncle Charles.

Annoyed by silly on-screen warnings after watching Gladiator 2, Andrew Neil complains: ‘It’s pretty poor.’

But it’s intriguing that every time someone pours a glass of wine, the words “alcohol consumption is harmful” appear at the bottom right of the screen.

Is this what it has come to?…A film about violence, murder and death warns against a glass of wine?…Why is there no warning that cutting off your head is even more harmful to your health than a glass of wine ? ?’

Paul Mescal (left) and Pedro Pascal (right) in Gladiator II. Andrew Neil complains that every time someone pours a glass of wine in the film, the words ‘alcohol consumption is harmful’ appear at the bottom right of the screen

Strangely hired to narrate the BBC documentary Sir Roger Moore, in which he impersonated late 007, Steve Coogan’s comedy performance quickly became boring.

He first sent out Sir Roger (pictured) in his parody of TV chat show Alan Partridge in 1994, claiming he had failed to turn up for an interview.

Roger’s then 90-year-old father George, not realizing the joke, berated his famous son: “It wasn’t very nice of you not to appear on that show!”

Strangely hired to narrate the BBC’s Sir Roger Moore documentary, in which he impersonated late 007, Steve Coogan’s comedy performance quickly became boring.

Newly released government documents show the late Queen told Irish Ambassador Ted Barrington she was dismissive of the “divisive” Orange Order marches that disrupted Northern Ireland in the 1980s.

Barrington, who reported his conversation to Dublin, wisely warned to keep his conversation secret. Queen Elizabeth liked him and he helped lay the groundwork for her visit to Dublin in 2011. Class act, Ted.

Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States presents an opportunity for his charming Brazilian husband, Reinaldo, known for his prowess as a dancer.

The British Embassy in DC has a beautiful ballroom. Bandmaster, hit that samba!