Following in the footsteps of French magazine “Closer” and the Irish edition of “The Daily Star”, an Italian magazine will be publishing more topless photos of Kate Middleton, the future Queen of England.

This is despite the fact that legal representatives of both Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge were in Paris to seek legal action against “Closer”.

“Chi” magazine has published a 26-page, 50 picture spread of Middleton sunbathing while on vacation in France with husband Prince William.

It is also reported that “Chi” has around 200 photos of Middleton in its possession.

Alfonso Signorini, the editor of “Chi”, has defended his magazine’s publication of the pictures: “For the first time, the future Queen of England appears in a natural way, free from all artificial elements required by her role.”

The “Chi” editor continues, “The Royal Family, instead of getting angry with the media, that are simply exercising their right to inform, should, in my humble opinion, take the opportunity and comment on this scoop with the typical British humor, by saying ‘So what?’”.

Signorini also tweeted that “not even a direct call from the Queen” would stop him from publishing the pictures.

It will be interesting to see how this story continues to unfold in the coming weeks.