Kate Middleton French tabloid scandal deeply shook Prince William

Prince William was left deeply shaken and furious after topless photos of Kate Middleton were published by a French magazine in 2012.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were visiting Malaysia when the explicit photos were published in French version of Closer magazine.

Insiders told Radar Online that William was “furious” over the privacy invasion and his anger was tied to painful memories of the media’s relentless invasion of his late mother Princess Diana’s privacy.

Royal reporter Rebecca English revealed William’s reaction, saying, "His jaw was clenched, and he could barely contain his fury. I'd never seen him that angry before."

A source also shared. "They reminded him of the privacy invasions his mom Diana had to endure, and he hated to see Kate going through the same thing.

Despite the scandal, Kate carried out her royal duties in Malaysia with calm and grace, and impressed royal critics with her composure.

"She was the picture of calm and composure," English revealed. "I marvelled at how she was able to smile, shake hands and make small talk, without the slightest quiver or indication that anything was amiss."

Later, during a trial in France over the photo scandal, the couple’s lawyer Jean Weil read a statement on behalf of them.

"My wife and I thought that we could go to France for a few days in a secluded villa owned by a member of my family, and thus enjoy our privacy,” they stated.

"The clandestine way in which these photographs were taken was particularly shocking to us as it breached our privacy."