While Prince William and his wife Catherine's upcoming visit to LA has been hyped up by everyone from us to Rachel Zoe, the royal couple is actually trying to avoid any unofficial publicity.
The newlyweds have legally secured paparazzi-free zones in certain areas they're planning to visit. The LA Police Department has received no-trespassing contracts from the residents of seven homes surrounding the Hancock Park residence on June Street, where the couple is spending one night, reports the LA Times. Angelenos who reside by the British consul general building have also signed the no-trespassing agreements.
These police documents mean that if someone--namely a paparazzo--enters property where the LAPD has a signed trespass letter, he or she "will be arrested immediately," in the words of LAPD spokeswoman Mitzi Fierro. Fierro told the LA Times that some tabloids have made offers to residents for close-up access, but have not struck any deals in the immediate vicinity of the duke and duchesses' lodging.
While Princess Catherine has taken legal action against paparazzi before, and the Queen herself has warned photographers to stay away from the royal family, these sorts of actions aren't generally heeded in LA. Despite California's anti-paparazzi law--which was preceded by LAPD creatively arresting photographers for blocking sidewalks--celebrity privacy is still an issue. Stars like Brad Pitt and Reese Witherspoon have gone to their lawyers after incidents with photographers, but few try to legally stop paparazzi before they strike. With William and Catherine's police measures, British royalty is going a step further than Hollywood royalty. In LA, they'll need all the help they can get.