The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are refusing to let the furore over the topless pictures of Duchess Catherine ruin their tour of the Far East.

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The royal couple are currently on an official visit to Asia as part of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and while they are very upset the intimate pictures were published in a French magazine, they won't let it stop them from enjoying the trip.

William's spokesperson told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "They've been very clear that they will not allow this to intrude on their enjoyment of the tour or, more importantly their work on behalf of the queen.

"The couple always felt very strongly about privacy and harassment. It's part of a very long-standing and heartfelt position by the duke and Prince Harry, given their past, to do everything they can to protect themselves.

"They've always said they don't have an issue with the mainstream media just doing their job, but they have always had an issue with ­paparazzi whose work intrudes on their privacy."

However, it will not stop the pair from taking legal action against everyone involved with the pictures, which were taken with a long-lens camera as William and Catherine sunbathed at a private chateau in France.

The spokesperson added: "They will take any action they can within the law to seek redress."

As well as French magazine Closer publishing the snaps, the Irish version of the Daily Star newspaper printed them while Italian publication Chi is planning to.