Kate Middleton
Rex/Rex USA
A series of photos that show the Duchess of Cambridge sunbathing topless have been published in the French tabloid magazine Closer. Now a palace rep confirms that Prince William and Kate Middleton have taken legal action against the publication by filing a lawsuit.
"[Prince William and Kate’s] sadness has turned to anger and disbelief as we learn more about the photographs," the couple's press secretary said in a statement. "We believe a real line has been crossed."
The photos, which appear to be blurry and taken by a long lens, were unknowingly snapped during the couple’s recent vacation at the French château of Lord Linley — the Queen's nephew.
William and Kate, both 30, reportedly learned of the photos on Sept. 13 while in Malaysia for their Southeast Asian and Pacific tour.
"The incident is reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, and all the more upsetting to the Duke and Duchess for being so," the statement continued. "Their Royal Highnesses had every expectation of privacy in the remote house. It is unthinkable that anyone should take such photographs, let alone publish them."
This marks the second nude photo scandal for the royal family in just three weeks: In late August, pictures of Prince Harry, 27, partying naked during a game of strip billiards in his Las Vegas hotel suite hit the Internet.
