Britain's Duchess and Duke of Cambridge are putting on a brave face in the wake of Catherine's topless photos scandal.

French magazine Closer has published topless pictures of the royal while enjoying a holiday in Provence last week with her husband Prince William.

Long-lens shots of the brunette beauty were taken beside a private swimming pool, and the pictures were published much to the anger and disappointment of the palace.

Catherine and Prince William are currently on a nine-day tour in Asia and managed to smile through a Diamond Jubilee tea party which was held at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

Dressed in a pale blue Alice Temperley lace dress, Catherine sipped tea at the event and chatted to several guests including renowned shoe designer Jimmy Choo.

However, upon leaving the tea party, the young royals were pictured appearing downcast as they left for the airport.

It's been revealed that the palace intend to launch legal action against the French publication.

"Their sadness has turned to anger and disbelief as we learn more about the photographs," Miguel Head, the royal couple's press secretary, said in a statement. "We believe a real line has been crossed and we are consulting with French lawyers about what, if any, legal action will be taken.

"The incident is reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of [William's mother] 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."

Laurence Pieau, the editor of French Closer, has defended the decision to publish the revealing photos.

"These photos are not in the least shocking. They show a young woman sunbathing topless, like the millions of women you see on beaches," she told the Associated Foreign Press.