The publishing head responsible for the French edition of Closer magazine and two photographers have been placed under formal investigation in relation to topless photographs published of the Duchess of Cambridge last year.
Ernesto Mauri, the head of the publisher which produces the French edition and the photographer understood to have taken the snaps are being investigated for invasion of privacy, while photographer Valérie Suau is accused of breach of privacy for taking photographs published in regional title La Provence of the Duchess in a bikini.
The investigations come after official complaints from St James's Palace were made when the pictures of Catherine Middleton sunbathing on a beach in France while she holidayed with Prince William emerged in September last year.
Other publications printed the photos soon after, including the Irish Daily Star. Editor Michael O'Kane resigned his position a short time later as the row continued. British titles refused to publish the pictures.