Prince William and Kate Middleton were left furious after topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge were published in a French magazine.
WATCH: Kate Middleton shows rare intimate moment with Prince William
Unearthed reports revealed that the pictures were taken by Closer Magazine while the royal couple visited Provence, France in September 2012.
At the time, William and Kate were staying at a chateau owned by Queen Elizabeth‘s nephew, Lord Linley.
The high profile trip was being made ahead of their royal tour of south-east Asia and the South Pacific on behalf of the Queen and the royal family.
According to Express, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were deeply angered by the celebrity magazine’s publishing of the topless photographs, which pictured Kate sunbathing on the terrace of the guest house.
The publication alleged that William and Kate were unaware of the photos until the French magazine’s website published an image of its front cover, which featured a heavily-pixellated image of a woman – who they claimed was the Duchess – about to remove her bikini top.
Just a few days later, the French magazine was being sold on the streets of Paris, with a topless Kate plastered on the cover.
According to Express, British papers were also offered the pictures but they all turned them down.
At the time, a spokesman for William and Kate told The Daily Mail, “Their sadness has turned to anger and disbelief as we have learnt more about the photographs.
“We believe a red line has been crossed and we are consulting the French lawyers to see what, if any, action can be taken.”
What’s more, their royal aides released the following official statement:
“Their Royal Highnesses have been hugely saddened to learn that a French publication and a photographer have invaded their privacy in such a grotesque and totally unjustifiable manner.
“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.
“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.
“Officials acting on behalf of Their Royal Highnesses are consulting with lawyers to consider what options may be available to The Duke and Duchess.”
Express reported that the royal couple’s anger was visible when they began their Jubilee tour.
When they exited their plane at the Bunga Raya VIP area at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Duke of Cambridge had a fixed look and clenched his teeth in displeasure at the invasion of privacy.
While the Duchess offered some smiles to her husband when they left the car, she also appeared to be frustrated, before placing a comforting hand on William’s back.
The result was a lawsuit, with the judge ordering Closer magazine to pay William and Kate over $100, 000 in damages.
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