Kate Middleton is the object of fascination for millions, a princess who wed into one of the world’s most famous families with nary a hint of scandal, much to the dismay of the media. So when some photos of her sunbathing topless popped up online, they immediately went viral and caused a huge backlash against the company taking responsibility for them.

Middleton was allegedly snapped while vacationing at a private residence in France–where topless sunbathing is not only acceptable, it’s deemed the norm–and although the photographers got their shots unknowingly, without her consent, the editor of the magazine which ran them is defending their moves, saying they aren’t shocking in the least.

“These photos are not in the least shocking,” Closer editor Laurence Pieau said. “They show a young woman sunbathing topless, like the millions of women you see on beaches.”

The problem with that argument is that Kate wasn’t on a public beach, she was in the privacy of the home she was staying in, and the royal family is taking issue with the statements. They are now considering taking legal action against the magazine.