Prince Harry's naked photos published by The Sun

The naked photos of Prince Harry have been published by The Sun - they argue they did it for press freedom

The Sun has made the controversial decision to print the naked photos of Prince Harry from that infamous night in Las Vegas, despite being urged by the Royal Family not to do so.

The tabloid is the only British newspaper to have published the snaps of Harry in the nude and partying in his VIP suite while on holiday in Las Vegas.

Due to a plea by St James's Palace, via the Press Complaints Comission, to respect Harry's privacy no UK papers have used the photos up to this point.

The Sun has now published the pics arguing they've done it because it's in the public interest and to fight for press freedom.

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The paper writes: 'There is a clear public interest in publishing the Harry pictures, in order for the debate around them to be fully informed. The photos have potential implications for the Prince’s image representing Britain around the world.

'There are questions over his security during the Las Vegas holiday. Questions as to whether his position in the Army might be affected.

'Further, we believe Harry has compromised his own privacy.'

By splashing the pics of a naked Prince Harry on the front page, The Sun now faces criticism from other media outlets, politicians and the general public.

Defending his decision, The Sun's managing editor David Dinsmore said the paper had 'thought long and hard' about whether to use the pictures and said it was an issue of freedom of the press rather than because it was passing judgement on Harry's antics.

He said: 'The Sun is a responsible paper and it works closely with the royal family. We take heed of their wishes.

'We're also big fans of Prince Harry, he does a huge amount of work for this country and for the military and for the image of both of those institutions.

'We are not against him letting his hair down once in a while. For us this is about the freedom of the press.

'This is about our readers getting involved in discussion with the man who's third in line to the throne, it's as simple as that.'

What do you think about The Sun going ahead and printing the naked photos of Prince Harry? Is it disrespectful and purely a business decision, or do you think the paper had every right in the public interest? Let us know your thoughts. 

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