Chi Magazine Italy Publishes Topless Kate Middleton Photos

Chi magazine published Monday 18 photographs of Kate Middleton topless, sunbathing at a villa in Southern France. (See cover here.)

Like Us on Facebook

The Italian magazine distributed the photographs over 19 pages of the issue and its editor Alfonso Signorini, justified his decision saying they portray a "modern" duchess.

"I published them with a conviction that they are pictures of a modern contemporary duchess," Signorini told Sky News.

The article accompanying the controversial photographs, reportedly praises Middleton's "practically perfect" body, while a separate story speculates whether she has had any plastic surgery jobs.

Over the weekend, Signorini, defended his decision to make the photos public on Twitter saying that "not even a direct call from the Queen" would stop him.

The editor also denied rumors that there are more photographs of Middleton topless.

"If I had more scandalous photos I would have willingly published them."

Chi magazine its owned by Mondadori, a media company from former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. France's Closer magazine, is also owned by the company.

The royal couple, Prince William and Middleton are preparing a criminal lawsuit against the photographer and against Closer magazine, according to Reuters Sunday.

Chai magazine could also be in risk of been sued but it's editor says he is not worried because in Italy is legal to take photographs from public property even if they are photographing people on private property, according to the Royalist.

The photos were reportedly taken from between 400m and 800m away with a special long-lens camera, according to U.K's The Guardian.