Bucklebury Farm Park rubbishes claims photo policy is only to protect royal guests

National media reports have this week suggested that the policy had been brought in to protect the privacy of royal visitors, with Prince George, aged one, known to visit the site with his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, and grandmother Carole Middleton, who lives nearby.
However, education and events coordinator at the park, Danny Kidby-Hunter, said the policy was to protect the privacy of all children and not any particular party.
“This is something of a storm in a tea cup, as our polite request is purely for no unauthorised photographs of other guests not a blanket ban on photography,” he said. “Nor has it been done in relation to any one individual.
“Like any operator of a family visitor attraction, we are acutely conscious of the rights of any child to enjoy the freedom and privacy afforded by family days out at venues such as ours.
“The joy of special family moments such as these must be something that all parents and carers identify with and cherish.
“As with any family attraction, from time to time, visitors from public life whether they are actors, TV presenters and politicians are among our guests and we want their children to enjoy the same freedoms as all our families and this view is something in our experience that our visitors support.”
The decision has had a mixed response on social media, with one user posting: “I wouldn't want someone taking pictures of my daughter. Why should they stay at home with George just because some ill-mannered people can't resist getting the phone out and clicking away?”
Another added: “Most of the people who take their children to Bucklebury Farm are perfectly able to act with discretion and manners and not behave like star-struck groupies if Kate, Carole and George happen to be there. I can understand though that for the few people who lack decorum and self-control such signs are probably necessary.”
Do you visit Bucklebury Farm Park regularly? Do you support the restrictions on photography? Let reporter Ellis Barker know by emailing ellis.barker@newburynews.co.uk