A French magazine has published topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge while the Royal Couple is on a private vacation. Is this the beginning of a life followed by negative press?

The Royal Couple was startled with the release of explicit photos showing the Duchess without her top on. While busy on their Asian tour stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, William and Kate are faced with such a media challenge that many are not sure how she will react to this humiliation.

A French magazine called "Closer," recently published private photos of Kate Middleton and Prince William sunbathing in a private estate in Provence, a region located in south eastern France. Other photos showed the Duchess walking around in her swimsuit and the pair putting lotion on each other.

The Royals believe Closer crossed a "red line," and should expect charges as soon as discussions are finalized with French lawyers.

"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." said a palace representative.

"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 representative added.

Meanwhile, Closer Magazine's editor, Laurence Pieau does not seem to be apologetic about publishing such scandalous images of the Duchess.

"She's a topless princess. There have been others. It's really not new." quips Pieau in a statement.

View the slideshow to see images of Closer Magazine on newsstands and other photos of the Duke and Duchess in their Asian tour.

Also Read:

Baby Alert: Prince William and Kate Middleton Want Two Kids [PHOTOS]

Orchid Fever: Kate Middleton Wears Stunning Floral Silk Dress in Singapore [PHOTOS]

The drama surrounding the topless photos of Kate Middleton continued Saturday as Richard Desmond announced he would end his joint-venture relationship with the Irish Daily Star because of the tabloid's decision to run the images. The topless photos of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, ran in Saturday's issue of the Irish Daily Star, according to Sky News.

The royal couple are currently in Malaysia and will head to the state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, on Friday and attend a reception.

Copies of French magazine Closer showing pictures of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Britain's Prince William are displayed in a newspaper kiosk in Nice, France

What Would Prince William Say About Topless Kate Middleton Photos?

Just when the Kate Middleton couldn’t be more embarrassed – or the royal family more incensed – news broke that an Italian magazine will also publish the topless Middleton photos. Despite being slapped with a lawsuit Silvio Berlusconi, who owns the French magazine Closer and the Italian tabloid, is willing to publish the photos in his Chi magazine.

Copies of French magazine Closer showing pictures of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Britain's Prince William are displayed in a newspaper kiosk in Nice.

wave to staff as they leave Hospis Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

What Would Prince William Say About Topless Kate Middleton Photos?

Kate Middleton’s Shocking Topless Photos: Duchess of Cambridge Puts a Brave Smile

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, are greeted upon arrival at Hospis Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.