German court ups Princess Madeleine's libel award

Published: 31 Jul 09 08:27 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/21018/20090731/

False German media reports that Sweden’s Princess Madeleine was pregnant and planning to marry have resulting in the princess being awarded €400,000 ($565,000) in damages by a German court.

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The Hamburg-based court of appeal found that Princess Madeleine had been subject to a campaign of “reckless” gossip, ordering that the lower court's award of €300,000 be raised by one third.

The Swedish royal family had indicated earlier that the money will be donated to charity.

The case stems from several articles published in papers belonging the Klambf publishing house, including titles such as “Frau mit Herz” and “Welt der Frau”.

The stories included a wide range of false information and claims about Princess Madeleine life and living habits.

According to German press reports published on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Hamburg court said the articles were “unequivocally untrue” and that the substantial damages award was an attempt to create “a major inhibiting effect” on the tabloid press.

The stories were published between 2000 and 2004 and the suit was first filed by the royal family’s star German attorney Matthias Prinz.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, publishers Klambf apparently realized long ago how the court would likely rule.

“The damages amount is of a magnitude expected by the Klambf media group. A corresponding amount was set aside back in 2004,” said the Baden-Baden based publisher.

TT/The Local (news@thelocal.se/08 656 6518)

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08:57 July 31, 2009 by peropaco

Who gives a rats arse if the little dwarf was pregnant or not.

Report abuse »

09:22 July 31, 2009 by martell

Finally a court has landed one in the face of the press liars.

Lies are the counterpart of a free press and ethical journalism.

Well done, your honor.

Report abuse »

09:44 July 31, 2009 by Davidiand

08:57 July 31, 2009 by peropaco

'Who gives a rats arse if the little dwarf was pregnant or not'

Not a very nice thing to say!!!

Report abuse »

10:16 July 31, 2009 by George C

Good on her .... how dare the press try to destroy her or anyone else,s reputation.

I am happy that she got this reward and it goes to charity.

On your side Madeleine ...... best of luck !!

Report abuse »

12:18 July 31, 2009 by byke

I understand the idea of liable, and its power to harm.

BUT .....

Wouldn't this be termed as illegal since 1st July since Sweden's official language laws have been passed not allowing "foreign" languages.

German is not recognized as an official language of sweden, thus not officially recognised.

BUMSEN MADELINE ;)

Report abuse »

13:53 July 31, 2009 by Aussie_Downunder

Madeleine..... niiiiiiiiiiiiice

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15:02 July 31, 2009 by DeafJeff

In the US the media and paparazzi and OUT OF CONTROL. I'm all for freedom of speech and press, but don't make stuff up. Do your job and report the news, not lies. Liars should undergo corporal punishment in public.

Report abuse »

17:39 July 31, 2009 by I Love it when ...

madeleines pretty

good on her

Report abuse »

21:56 July 31, 2009 by conboy

byke the word you were looking for is libel and as an EU citizen the young one had every right to sue so do you. Viva the EU!

Report abuse »

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