Prince William, wife 'saddened' over French magazine's claim of topless photos of Kate

Eileen Ng, The Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - An aide to Britain's Prince William says the palace will investigate a French magazine's claim of having topless photographs of his wife, Kate.

The couple's tour of the Far East and South Pacific to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee was marred by Closer magazine's announcement Thursday that it will publish topless photos of Kate. The magazine claims the pictures were taken on a guesthouse terrace in France where William and Kate were on vacation this month.

A royal aide told The Associated Press in Kuala Lumpur on Friday that William and Kate "are saddened to learn about the alleged photos."

He added that "once we investigate the authenticity of the photos, we will make our decision about what to do." He spoke on condition of anonymity, citing protocol.