Italian magazine editor defends Kate pictures in bikini

LONDON (AFP) - The editor of Italy's Chi magazine on Wednesday defended the decision to publish photographs of Prince William's pregnant wife Catherine in her bikini, saying they were not in any way scandalous.

Alfonso Signorini told the BBC that the pictures were taken in a public place during the couple's holiday on the Caribbean island of Mustique and showed nothing more than a "moment of joyful relaxation".

St James's Palace has condemned the decision to publish by the magazine, which is owned by former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, saying it was a "clear breach of the couple's right to privacy".

The pictures, which are not being run by the British press but are available online, show Catherine wearing a blue bikini walking through shallow waters and then on the beach with her husband, the second in line to the throne.