They still don't get it

Probably just pleased so many people have come out on her side. (she doesn't look the sort to be thrown easily)

It doesn't seem like the sort of story that a newspaper would bother to pay for. Not all newspapers stories – even in the tabloids – are bought.

Why on earth assume people are only ever interested in "the money"? If she has tea in Claridges every year as a treat for her mum and other family members maybe she doesn't need it.

That's true Soutra although when has having plenty of money stopped people from wanting more?

I've just noticed there's a smaller article in The Times as well.

Never mind the breastfeeding – I have no time for Claridges. I really dislike having tea somewhere and then finding a 12.5% service charge has been added to my bill. If the service was good, I'll tip the person who provided that service. If the service wasn't, I see no reason to enrich the owning consortium any further when I've already paid well and truly for my sandwich, cake and cuppa. There are hotels in London – or at least there used to be – that don't do this.

I so agree with that. Even bloody Pizza Hut add 12% without a by your leave.

Not having had children I have never encountered this problem personally but given the choice, I would rather a mother fed her baby than have the child screaming the place down!

In 1918 my grandmother breastfed my mother in a railway carriage in the presence of a man who was a complete stranger. Afterwards he complimented her on how discreetly she had done it. He was also probably very glad that he would not have to spend the whole journey listening to a screaming baby! It begins to look as if we are going backwards rather than progressing.

The pictures in the papers were taken on a camera phone by the mother's companions, at the time....no reconstruction. She did not contact the media - they contacted her, after she tweeted about this ridiculous policy. I doubt very much she got any money for the stories in the papers.

A breastfeeding baby is eating. That's all. Just like anyone else needs to eat No need for comfy rooms or chairs or special corners of a restaurant - though if they are there on offer for mothers who prefer not to risk criticism from bad-mannered others, then that's fine.

Should there be an age limit for the child I wonder? Some breastfeed until the child is several years old.

Of course, most people in our culture would not be offended by breastfeeding in a restaurant. I wonder if Claridge's were concerned about other wealthy visitors who might be.

Actually, Claridge's don't object to breastfeeding anyway, I remind myself.

In law, there is no upper age limit, petallus. Anywhere the mother and her child are permitted to be - in this case, the restaurant - breastfeeding is protected.

So few mothers breastfeed beyond toddlerhood, I don't think the issue of whether or not to 'ban' it in older children in public places is ever likely to arise.

The ironic thing is that the two photos showed very clearly that the act of breastfeeding was far more explict with the napkin over the baby! So anyone objecting to breastfeeding would be unlikely to have noticed.

Many other cultures - including those with severe expectations of dress and behaviour - have no problem with breastfeeding in a public place. Which cultures were you thinking of?

And three guesses who has come out in defence of Claridges?

Yes, it's that well known joke, Nigel Farage.

Is there a link?

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2861994/Put-baby-corner-Farage-tells-mothers-not-openly-ostentatious-breastfeeding-babies.html

Here it is.

Well, personally I wouldn't go into Claridges on principle but of course mothers should be able to breastfeed their babies where they need to. Why are we so prudish in this country?

I wonder why there is such confusion and controversy about the female breast.

Okay to expose it to feed an infant, not okay walking down the High Street or on page 3.

As the owner of a pair, I sometimes wonder what all the fuss is about.

Were breastsmade for page 3? (a big difference, perhaps- what are breasts for?).

Can't stand Farage, and very probreastfeeding- but his comments are blown out of proportion. Makes sense to me that BF mums can sit 'in a discreet' corner when BFeeding- not to hide, but out of courtesy. I do object strongly to mums having to sit in WCs to BF though.

Nigel Farage –hmm. Isn't he the man who said that women should spend more time cleaning behind the fridge?

No. That was some other UKIP member (though I think he may be an ex-member now).

Breasts are obviously for breastfeeding but is that all?

no- of course not- but certainly not for Page 3 ...

I auppose the difference is page 3 has overtones of eroticism and breastfeeding (hopefully) does not.

I think it's time for Nigel Farage to come on to Gransnet for a little chat.

Personally I've never considered page 3 erotic in any way, I have to say.

Breasts are indeed very erotic- but then surely not in public places?

Nigel Farage and Russell Brand are both on Question Time next week. Can't stand either of them but should be lively!