London, Sep 14 (IANS): Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton's topless photographs are going to be published by a French magazine, a move that comes close on the heels of her brother-in-law Prince Harry's naked photo scandal.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are said to be "saddened" by claims made by a French magazine that it will publish topless photographs of Kate Middleton, reported The Sun.

The photographs were taken last week while she was sunbathing by a swimming pool with her husband Prince William at a chateau in Provence, France. They were at Chateau d'Autet in Luberon, a secluded, picturesque hunting lodge.

Closer magazine has posted a pixelated version online showing Kate in a bikini and William in a pair of shorts.

Underneath it said: "See incredible pictures of the future Queen of England as you've never seen her... and as you will never see her again!"

The magazine's editor Laurence Pieau was quoted as saying that the pictures showed Kate "fully topless".

"Harry is going to feel a lot less alone."

The snaps are said to show William and Kate, both 30, rubbing sun cream on their bodies by the pool, The Sun reported.

The blurb of the magazine said: "Kate was perfecting her tan. And to avoid streaky tan marks, she took off her bathing suit."

Just last month, the royal family was hit by the scandal of photographs that showed a naked Prince Harry.

Prince Harry had become naked after a game of strip billiards, hugged a naked woman, and showed his bare bottom to the camera while spending a raucous holiday in Las Vegas.