British royal PRINCE WILLIAM has launched a lawsuit against the bosses of a French magazine after they published photographs of his wife CATHERINE, DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE sunbathing topless.

On Friday (14Sep12), editors at Closer magazine published 14 images of the couple relaxing on the terrace of a private property in Provence during a brief vacation last week (ends09Sep12).

Several of the images show the Duchess removing her bikini top, relaxing on a sun lounger, giggling with the Prince, and rubbing sun cream on his back.

Aides at St James's Palace issued a statement condemning the publication of the snaps, and after consulting lawyers, the couple is now taking legal action for breach of privacy.

A statement reads, "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 Editor and Publishers of Closer Magazine."