Lawyers acting for British royal Prince Charles have warned the media to stop harassing Kate Middleton, the girlfriend of his son Prince William.

Officials worry that Middleton, who turns 25 today, is pursued by photographers wherever she goes in the same manner as William's mother, Diana, Princess Of Wales, was in the run-up to her death in 1997.

Legal firm Harbottle & Lewis has issued a warning to media organisations as it investigates whether it can prevent paparazzi from chasing Middleton around.

A royal spokesman says, "Ms. Middleton is a private individual and as such can expect to have the privacy and private life that would be enjoyed by any member of the public."