Kate Middleton and Prince William have decided to take criminal action against the photographer for encroaching their privacy, two days after French magazine Closer published nude pictures of Kate Middleton, while the royal couple were holidaying in France.

According to French privacy laws, offenders can face up to £36,000 fine and imprisonment up to an year. The couple is yet to lodge the complaint and once they do file the complaint, it is up to the prosecutors to decide whether to pursue it further or not.

The royal couple intend strict action to be taken upon Closer magazine, which was the first to capture and publish Kate Middleton’s nude images.

A spokesperson from St James Palace said, “We can confirm that a criminal complaint is to be made to the French Prosecution Department. The complaint concerns the taking of photographs of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge whilst on holiday and the publication of those photographs in breach of their privacy.”

The Royals have already pressed for damages and an injunction against Closer in a civil case to stop further publication. Mondadori media group, Closer’s publication group also produces Italian gossip magazine called Chi. This Italian magazine has pledged a 26-page edition featuring images of the royal couple on holiday.

The palace, however, said no decision has been taken regarding separate legal proceedings in Italy.

Last Friday, an outrage was caused when French magazine Closer published Kate Middleton’s nude pictures while she was on holiday in France with her husband Prince William, and printed several of those explicit images, invading the royal couple’s privacy.

The occurrence was condemned by all on Saturday, but it did not prevent Irish Daily Star from carrying the images on Saturday, prior to which, the UK edition of Closer had pledged not to publish the images.

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