Pippa Middleton: Royal photos reportedly stolen in iCloud hack

James Matthews and Pippa Middleton are due to marry next year

Police are investigating claims an iCloud account reportedly belonging to the Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa Middleton has been hacked and private photographs stolen.

The Sun reported that it was offered the images, which it said included shots of the duchess's children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The paper said someone contacted it asking for £50,000 within 48 hours.

The Met Police said inquiries were ongoing, and no arrests had been made.

The haul from the hack is believed to include 3,000 pictures, and the anonymous seller has reportedly tried to sell them via encrypted messaging service WhatsApp.

'Specialist officers'

The Sun quoted a spokesman for Miss Middleton as saying: "Thank you very much for drawing this to the family's attention.

"I can confirm that not only have the lawyers been informed but the police are about to be involved as well."

A Met Police spokesman said: "Police have received a report concerning the alleged hacking of a personal iCloud account. Specialist officers are now investigating."

Earlier this year, Miss Middleton and hedge fund manager James Matthews confirmed they are engaged to be married, with a wedding planned for next year.

Miss Middleton was maid of honour when the Duchess of Cambridge married Prince William in 2011. 

Source: BBC