Palace confirms legal action over photos of the Duchess of Cambridge

St James's Palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have launched legal action against the publishers of Closer magazine in France, after it published intimate photographs of Kate. In a short statement, officials said: "St James's Palace confirms that legal proceedings for breach of privacy have been commenced today in France by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge against the publishers of Closer Magazine France." It is believed that the royal couple intend to prevent any further publication of the images, as well as seek damages for those which have already emerged.

The pictures were taken during the couple's holiday at a chateau in France owned by Viscount Linley, the Queen's nephew. Aides travelling with the royal couple in South East Asia were informed at 5 am local time about the release of the images and broke the news to the Duke and Duchess before their visit to a mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Despite the incident the couple put on a brave face, smiling their way through the visit on Friday, like the united team they have become. 

Royal aides said the couple are "furious" and the future King was particularly upset about the invasion of his wife's privacy." 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," said a palace statement. "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." It added: "The Duke and Duchess remain focused currently on their Tour of Singapore, Malaysia, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu on behalf of HM The Queen."