French magazine Closer has removed topless images of Catherine Middleton from their website.

The publication printed these photos of the Duchess of Cambridge this week.

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.

The British royal family has taken legal action against the magazine and other parties involved in the topless images.

Although the photos are no longer online, Radar Online reports that Closer defends their choice to circulate the shots.

"Following comments received after the publication of photos of Kate and William in Closer magazine France, we would like to make the following clarifications: This is the French edition of Closer and not the English edition. The photos we chose are by no means degrading. They show a young couple on vacation, beautiful, in love, living a normal life. The article reports that the couple recently vacationed in the south of France," a statement issued by the magazine reads.