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Paparazzi snapped by royal aides


January 27, 2004
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Paparazzi photographers at the Queen's Sandringham Estate got quite a surprise when they realised they themselves were being pursued by a group of snappers.

It seems the Royal Family, frustrated with being stalked by lensmen, dispatched some photographers of their own to intercept them. Apparently Marcus O'Lone, the Queen's land agent at Sandringham, has been pursuing the paparazzi around the 20,500-acre property with his camera in hand. And Sandringham staff have undertaken no less than three similar expeditions in recent weeks.

When the press pack asked O'Lone why he was taking their picture, he informed them he was simply building a record of their movements. Some workers on the estate feel stressed by the presence of freelance photographers and, although the press are legally entitled to enter the property, officials are hoping they will be a little more respectful.

"We appreciate that photographers cannot be banned form taking pictures in a public place," said a Buckingham Palace representative. "Estate staff are merely monitoring the situation. We hope photographers can show some restraint."

Photo: © Alphapress.com
The Queen is understood to be frustrated by the presence of photographers at Sandringham. The recent publication of pictures of a shooting party at the estate caused particular upset
Photo: © Alphapress.com
The hunters have become the hunted at Sandringham, as royal aides pursue press photographers around the vast propertyPhoto: © PA

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