The Royal Chef and Those Pictures

The picture of Charles and Camilla being used for the postage stamps celebrating their impending wedding was taken by Charles’ sometimes chef, Carolyn Robb.

It seems that she is being expected to hand over copyright without payment.

When Ms Robb contacted the Prince’s office about financial compensation, officials attempted to force her to waive international copyright, she said. She claimed that she was asked to sign over all rights and to accept that she would not receive any compensation.

When the picture was taken away, she was told that the couple wanted a picture of themselves in their new tweeds. Ms Robb later found out that the picture had been used without her permission (and without payment) for the official engagement photograph and for the postage stamps. This is a clear breach of copyright. Had she been a professional photographer, this would not have happened, but as she is an amateur it seems those in power believe they can take this type of liberty. Presumably they believe Ms Robb should bask in the reflected glory of having one of her photographs on a stamp. Not bloody good enough. They breached her copyright and they should pay her the going rate for using the photograph. And expecting her to relinquish copyright is outrageous.

Having said that, Clarence House spokespersons are claiming a different account:

Clarence House insisted that Ms Robb had given permission for the photograph to be distributed free and had also been asked to sign a contract that would assign copyright to the Royal Household.

It’s a matter of who you believe, I guess. I’m inclined to believe Ms Robb. If she had agreed, she wouldn’t now be making a fuss (and in the process a fool of herself).

I hope she tells them where to stick it, although it would seem that they have since agreed payment and she has the option of refusing to sign away copyright. She should not do so – these pictures have a future earning potential to which she is entitled.