Photo: SplashNews.com

Before I begin, let me clarify whose side I'm on in the scandal involving the paparazzi and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. Anybody who sits 7 football fields away with a long lens in hopes of getting nude pictures of a "public figure" (or anyone else) is a coward, a pervert and a dirtbag.

The fact that someone is a celebrity is no excuse for stalking them in their private moments. Take all the red carpet photos you want; leave them alone when they are in private.

As it turns out, the Royal Family-and extended family-have a long history of naked photos taken by dirtbags. The list, mentioned on NBC's Today Show earlier this week, is as follows:

Kate’s siblings Pippa and James, Prince Charles, Prince Harry (playing naked billiards in Vegas), Prince Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah Fergeson, Prince Edward's wife, and even Prince Philip (earlier this month, thanks to a wardrobe malfunction with his kilt).

There are even rumors that candid nudes of Princess Diana were taken, but that a magazine who adored her bought the negatives and refused to publish the pictures. No way to verify that, but it's a good story and this list wouldn't be complete without a mention of it.

Finally... Kate’s second cousin posed for this month’s Playboy. Clearly that's a different scenario, she chose to pose for the spread, but the timing is uncanny.

Photo: Playboy

But back to those unwilling, unsuspecting subjects of the paparazzi: While I agree that "public figures" should use discretion when out and about, no one should have to worry about their photo being taken-without permission-7 football fields away. That's unreasonable. And creepy.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go put on some pants.