Topless Kate Middleton Photos Seriously Cross the Line (VIDEO)

The royals just cannot catch a break lately. First, there was Harry, snapped letting ye royal jewels hang out in Vegas. Then there was Prince Philip, snapped letting ye olde royal jewels hang out at the Highland Games. Now there's Kate Middleton. The primmest and most proper of them all is currently undergoing a nude scandal of her own. A French magazine has just published, in a "grotesque manner", recent photos of the Duchess sunbathing topless at Prince William's cousin's chateau.

The "world exclusive" photos were taken using a long lens without the couple’s knowledge, and capture Kate, on a break from her and William's tour in Malaysia, clad in nothing but bikini bottoms.

Needless to say, she is pissed.

A statement released from St. James's Palace said: "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. 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."

As curious as I am to see these pictures of a bare-breasted Kate, I have to say, this truly does cross the line. Harry's Vegas antics were one thing -- he was partying and, in a way, "shirking his royal duties" (and it's Harry -- come on). But photos of Kate, lying out in the sun, not bothering anyone, in what she presumed to be (and what should have been) a "private" setting is whole other issue, and a complete invasion of privacy. Will paparazzi stop at nothing to make a buck?

The seriousness of the statement the Palace released shows they mean business, but I kind of doubt legal action will wind up being taken, since the photos were taken in another country. It's really sad that this has happened -- and it probably stings a bit more since all this is happening so close to the 15-year anniversary of Diana's death.

Apparently, the British media aren't the only people who will stop at nothing to make a profit. What a disgrace.

What do you think of this?

Image via Chris Jackson/Getty