British Royals Sue Over Kate Middleton Topless Photos

The British Royal Family has begun legal proceedings against the publishers of Closer Magazine France following the publication of topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, but other publications in Europe are lining up to publish the pictures.

French Closer published the photos of the Royals during a private moment at Chateau d'Autet, near Aix-en-Provence.

The photos have also been published in a Irish newspaper, with Italian and Dutch publications also reportedly planning to publish the pictures.

A St James's Palace spokesman said legal action had commenced for breach of privacy and also aims to prevent further publication of the photos.

"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," the palace said in a statement.

The controversy continues as the Duke and Duchess are in Solomon Islands as part of a tour of Singapore, Malaysia, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu on behalf of The Queen.

(C) Newsroom America 2012