Topless pictures in French magazine leave Kate Middleton 'saddened'

A French magazine has obtained pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge sunbathing topless during her recent French break

Kate Middleton is said to be 'saddened' after being told a French magazine plans to publish photos of her sunbathing topless on a recent holiday in France.

It's not yet known how weekly title Closer obtained the photos of Kate Middleton topless, only that it is due to publish them today.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were relaxing by the pool during a stay at the idyllic Chateau d'Autet a historic hunting lodge owned by the Queen's nephew, Viscount Linley, in preparation for their Jubilee tour, when the pictures were taken.

Set in 640 acres of woodland, the chic Provence hideaway, which comes complete with an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court, is said to boast exception views of the French countryside and was thought to offer complete privacy.

But it seems eagle-eyed snappers managed to catch a handful of long-lens shots of William and Kate as they relaxed by the private pool - including pictures of Kate Middleton topless.

It's thought the royal couple were made aware of the photos during breakfast, as they prepared for a packed list of engagements on day four of their Far East tour.

They were said to be saddened by the private photo leak.

One royal insider told the Telegraph: 'This is disappointing, saddening and turns the clock back 15 years. We have always maintained the position that the Duke and Duchess deserve their privacy, not least when they are on holiday in their own swimming pool.'

The source continued: 'The Duke and Duchess were told about the pictures at breakfast and they have seen the pictures on the website.

'At the moment we haven’t been in a position to verify whether they are genuine, and we are not going to take any action or consider taking any action until we have been able to consider the photos properly, then we will consider our options.

'One option is to let public opinion take its course, another option is to talk to our lawyers in the UK and France, to talk to Closer and the photographer.'

This is not the first time private pictures of Prince William and Kate Middleton have surfaced.

Earlier this year the royal couple were said to be 'furious' after an Australian published private pictures of their honeymoon.

Monthly title Woman's Day made the controversial decision to publish the 'world exclusive' photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, taken on the beach during their private honeymoon in the Seychelles last May.

Is it wrong for the French magazine to publish private pictures of Kate Middleton topless? Let us know in the comments box below…

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