Royal experts have said the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's decision to file a criminal complaint over the publication of topless pictures is a symbolic move designed to "make a clear statement to the press".

Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the Queen, told the Huffington Post UK the couple are taking a stand with their legal action: “You may say its shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted but I think they are making a very clear statement.

"Prince William has always been very clear about his relationship with the media; that he regards it as a necessary evil.

"It is rare that the royals go to court but you have to think about what has happened to his mother and he doesn’t want it to happen to his wife."

dickie arbiter

Dickie Arbiter, former spokesperson for the Prince William and press secretary to the Queen.

There have only been a handful of times when royal rage over invasion of privacy has prompted the pursuit of legal action.

Of those few cases the matter of privacy has only gone to trial once in the past 30 years, when the Queen's nephew, Viscount Linley, (on whose French balcony the royal couple were sunbathing) took the now-defunct Today magazine to court in 1990.

The furniture designer accused the magazine libel for reporting that he threw beer around a London pub whilst drunk. He was awarded £64,000 altogether in both libel and punitive damages.

Royal expert and writer Charlie Jacoby told the Huffington Post UK that the decision to take a legal route by Kate and William will have been well considered: "The way that the palace runs means this decision will not have been taken lightly.

"There will have been two main camps, the hawks and the doves. One will suggest rising above it and another advising the couple to take the publishers down.

"Constitutionally they are the law so they are in a difficult position. If the Queen took somebody to court, it’s the Queen’s court so really she should win. But the law is a different pillar of the establishment, along with the army, the police, the government. "

wills kate chi magazine

Chi published a 26-page spread of topless Kate pictures under the headline 'the Queen is nude'

He suggested one reason the royal couple has taken legal action is because France does not have a press council that can enforce penalties in the same way as Britain does.

"The French equivalent of the PCC does not have the powers in the same way that the UK one does. However the courts are robust enough." he said.

linley

Viscount Linley, the son of Princess Margaret, with his wife. Kate and Wills were sunbathing on the balcony of his villa in Provence when the shots were taken

Privacy laws are much stricter in France, meaning that it is much more likely the royal couple will win their case.

However it is highly unlikely that the maximum penalty of a year’s imprisonment would be imposed on the editor.

Even the top end fine of £36,000 seems minimal compared with the money awarded to royals in the past.

royal couple

Kate and William have continued on their Diamond Jubilee tour, the couple's happy smiles disguising their private indignation over the snaps

Princess Diana was reportedly paid costs of more than £1m after the Daily Mirror took pictures of her exercising in a gym with a hidden camera.

Duncan Bloy, Media Law Professor at Cardiff School of Journalism agrees that the legal action is symbolic.

“They are sabre rattling. They want to send a message to editors,” he told the Huffington Post UK.

“They are saying, look we won’t stick this sabre in you now, but this is a warning and we are prepared to use it again.

kate middleton

Duchess of Cambridge talks to a local woman during a visit to the Cultural Village in Honiara

He pointed to French privacy laws and the nature of the pictures, arguing that the reason the couple have taken legal action is because they have such a strong case.

“In the past there’s been a general reluctance because its not been as clear cut. But I don’t see how they can lose this case”

Echoing Mr Arbiter's description of William’s relationship with the media, Professor Bloy said:

“Diana did exploit the media in a way Kate and William have not.”

He said the couple were in a very strong position to take action.

“They’re holding all the aces as far their legal objectives are concerned. They’ve got a huge amount of public support.

"Even the British press are supporting them, with Richard Desmond saying he will close down his joint venture with the Irish Daily Star after the newspaper published the topless snaps."

However Professor Bloy thinks that very little will be achieved by the legal action.

“As far as objectives go, if their legal action stays at normal level very little will be achieved, " he commented.

"In the long term the courts will need to consider whether punitive damages might be awarded.”

This would mean that the magazine would have to declare how much it earnt from the pictures, and a fine would be imposed which would seek to punish the publication for its behaviour.

"This would have a much more significant effect on the press," Bloy added, noting that the £36,000 fine was very little compared to the amount the magazine stands to make through publishing the snaps.

Mr Arbiter also called for a much harsher ruling by the court, expressing sympathy for the royal couple:

“Their privacy was invaded and their dignity was robbed. There’s never been a jail sentence for invasion of privacy. You know, maybe its time there was.”

The Queen has sued The Sun twice in the past 30 years, and both times accepted an out of court settlement.

In 1988 Her Majesty took legal action after the tabloid published a picture of Sarah Fergusson and Princess Bea that the royal family had hoped to use on their Christmas card.

princess diana

Princess Diana was hounded by the paparazzi. Parallels between Kate and Diana were drawn by the palace after the incident

The second time the royal lawyers began proceedings was after the paper leaked Her Majesty’s Christmas broadcast in 1993. The paper ended up settling out of court again, with a £200,000 payment to charity.

Even if Kate and Wills if they succeed with their injunction, it won’t stop foreign papers from publishing the pictures. Chi, a gossip magazine owned by former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi published a feature alongside the pictures asking if Kate's breasts were natural or fake. The magazine ran under the headline 'la regina e nude' - the Queen is nude.

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  • The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Diamond Jubilee Tour - Day 6

    HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge pose in traditional Island clothing as they visit the Governor General's house on their Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East on September 16, 2012 in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee tour representing the Queen, taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Diamond Jubilee Tour - Day 6

    HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge pose in traditional Island clothing with the Governor General Frank Kabui's family during a visit to his house on their Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East on September 16, 2012 in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee tour representing the Queen, taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Diamond Jubilee Tour - Day 6

    HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Governor General's House during a Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East on September 16, 2012 in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee tour representing the Queen, taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • Britain's Prince William, right, talks with His Excellency the Governor General of the Solomon Islands, Sir Frank Kabui in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Sunday Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/William West, Pool)

  • Britain's Prince William, left, and wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, center, pose for a photo with His Excellency the Governor General of the Solomon Islands, Sir Frank Kabui, in Honiara Sunday Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/William West, Pool)

  • Britain's Prince William, left, and wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, right, pose for a photo in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Sunday Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/William West, Pool)

  • Britain's Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, left, talks with the wife of the Governor General of the Solomon Islands, Lady Grace Kabui in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Sunday Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/William West, Pool)

  • Britain's Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, left, talks with the wife of the Governor General of the Solomon Islands, Lady Grace Kabui in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Sunday Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/William West, Pool)

  • Britain's Prince William, left, and his wife Kate prepare to sit for a meal at Government House in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/William West, Pool)

  • William

    Britain's Prince William makes a speech during a function at Government House in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/William West, Pool)

  • William

    Britain's Prince William makes a speech during a function at Government House in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/William West, Pool)

  • The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Diamond Jubilee Tour - Day 6

    HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge travel in a special boat vehicle as they arrive at Honiara International Airport during their Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East on September 16, 2012 in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee tour representing the Queen taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Diamond Jubilee Tour - Day 6

    HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge travel in a special boat vehicle as they arrive at Honiara International Airport during their Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East on September 16, 2012 in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee tour representing the Queen taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Diamond Jubilee Tour - Day 6

    HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Honiara International Airport during their Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East on September 16, 2012 in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee tour representing the Queen taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Diamond Jubilee Tour - Day 6

    HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge twatch traditional dancing as they arrive at Honiara International Airport during their Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East on September 16, 2012 in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee tour representing the Queen taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Diamond Jubilee Tour - Day 6

    HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Honiara International Airport during their Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East on September 16, 2012 in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee tour representing the Queen taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • Britain's Prince William, center left, and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, wave as they drive through Honiara, Solomon Islands, on the back of a truck decorated as a canoe after their arrival Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, Pool)

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge on an open-top vehicle, shaped as a traditional canoe with a leaf roof canopy as they depart from Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • William Kate

    Britain's Prince William, left, and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, travel on a decorated truck through central Honiara, Solomon Islands Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/Daniel Munoz, Pool)

  • Britain's Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, travel on a decorated truck through central Honiara, Solomon Islands Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/Daniel Munoz, Pool)

  • Britain's Prince William, right, and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, walk up stairs to ride on the back of a truck decorated as a canoe on their arrival in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. The royal couple is on a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge on an open-top vehicle, shaped as a traditional canoe with a leaf roof canopy as they depart from Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge on an open-top vehicle, shaped as a traditional canoe with a leaf roof canopy as they depart from Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge during a Sunday church service at the Cathedral in Honiara, Solomon Islands, as part of the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge during a Sunday church service at the Cathedral in Honiara, Solomon Islands, as part of the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge during a Sunday church service at the Cathedral in Honiara, Solomon Islands, as part of the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge on an open-top vehicle, shaped as a traditional canoe with a leaf roof canopy as they depart from Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge on an open-top vehicle, shaped as a traditional canoe with a leaf roof canopy as they depart from Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge on an open-top vehicle, shaped as a traditional canoe with a leaf roof canopy as they depart from Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge on an open-top vehicle, shaped as a traditional canoe with a leaf roof canopy as they depart from Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge arrive at for a Sunday church service St Barnabas Cathedral, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge arrive at for a Sunday church service St Barnabas Cathedral, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge arrive at for a Sunday church service St Barnabas Cathedral, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The hat worn by the Duchess of Cambridge as she arrives at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge on an open-top vehicle, shaped as a traditional canoe with a leaf roof canopy as they depart from Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke of Cambridge inspects the Guard of Honour as he arrives at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Six

    The Duke of Cambridge inspects the Guard of Honour as he arrives at Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands, during the nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

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  • William Kate

    Britain's Prince William, left, and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge speak to each other during their visit at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley, some 70 kilometers (44 miles) west of Lahad Datu, on the island of Borneo Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mohd Rasfan, Pool)

  • William, Kate

    Prince William, left, and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk through the rainforest in Danum Valley Research Center in Danum Valley, Sabab, Malaysia, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/ Vincent Thian, Pool)

  • Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Danum Valley Research Center in Danum Valley, Sabab, Malaysia, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/ Vincent Thian, Pool)

  • William, Kate

    Prince William, left, and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk through the rainforest in Danum Valley Research Center in Danum Valley, Sabab, Malaysia, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/ Vincent Thian, Pool)

  • William, Kate

    Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Danum Valley Research Center in Danum Valley, Sabab, Malaysia, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/ Vincent Thian/ Pool)

  • William, Kate

    Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk through the rainforest in Danum Valley Research Center in Danum Valley, Sabab, Malaysia, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/ Vincent Thian, Pool)

  • William Kate

    Britain's Prince William, left, and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge look down on the three-hundred meter in length Canopy Walkway during their visit at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley, some 70 kilometers (44 miles) west of Lahad Datu, on the island of Borneo Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mohd Rasfan, Pool)

  • Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge

    Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, walks on a canopy walkway at the Borneo Rainforest Research Center in Danum Valley, some 70 kilometers (44 miles) west of Lahad Datu, on the island of Borneo, Malaysia, on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. The visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Malaysia is part of the royal couple's tour to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. (AP Photo/Mohd Rasfan, Pool)

  • William, Kate

    Britain's Prince William, left, and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk through a bridge at the Borneo Rainforest Research Center in Danum Valley some 70 kilometers (44 miles) west of Lahad Datu, on the island of Borneo, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mohd Rasfan, Pool)

  • Britain's Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, right, waves to the crowd as Britain's Prince William looks on before they leave Lahad Datu Airport on the island of Borneo Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mohd Rasfan, Pool)

  • William, Kate

    Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Danum Valley Research Center in Danum Valley, Sabab, Malaysia, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/ Vincent Thian/ Pool)

  • William, Kate

    Britain's Prince William, back row second right, and his wife Kate, right, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk for a tour at the Borneo Rainforest Research Center in Danum Valley some 70 kilometers (44 miles) west of Lahad Datu, on the island of Borneo, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mohd Rasfan, Pool)

  • William, Kate

    Britain's Prince William, right, and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the Borneo Rainforest Research Center in Danum Valley some 70 kilometers (44 miles) west of Lahad Datu, on the island of Borneo, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mohd Rasfan, Pool)

  • Men ride in the back of a truck as they drive past a billboard showing Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, as people prepare for a royal visit. The Royal couple arrive Sunday on an official trip. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

  • Children, from left to right, John Lamon, 12, Sarah Lalie, 10, Mary Nalke, 11, JJ Steven, 5 and Louisa Lui, 9, fish from a jetty in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, as people in the islands prepare for a royal visit. Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, arrive Sunday on an official trip. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

  • Two men ride in the back of a truck as they drive past a billboard showing Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, as people prepare for a royal visit. The Royal couple arrive Sunday on an official trip. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

  • Two young men ride in a dug out canoe just off shore in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, as people prepare for a royal visit. Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, arrive Sunday on an official trip. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

  • Young women walk past a billboard showing Queen Elizabeth II in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, as people prepare for a royal visit. Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will arrive Sunday on an official trip. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Loading Slideshow...

  • The Duchess of Cambridge visits the Olympic Park

    The Duchess of Cambridge plays hockey with the GB hockey teams at the Riverside Arena in the Olympic Park.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Eight

    The Duchess of Cambridge gets into costume with locals at Vaiaku Falekaupule during a visit to Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, during a nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Duchess of Cambridge visits Hope House treatment centre in Clapham

    The Duchess of Cambridge leaves the addiction charity's Hope House treatment centre in Clapham, South London following her visit.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Two

    The Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, as part of a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific, with the Duke of Cambridge, in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Two

    The Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, as part of a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific, with the Duke of Cambridge, in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific - Day Three

    The Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to the Kranji War Memorial in Singapore, as part of a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific, with the Duke of Cambridge, in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

  • London Olympic Games - Day 10

    Duchess of Cambridge watches the Olympic Laser Radial medal race off Weymouth today.

  • Olympics Day 13 - Around the Games

    LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 9: Prince Harry and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visit athletes at Team GB House in the Westfield Centre on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

  • Olympics Day 14 - Hockey: New Zealand v Great Britain

    LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Women's Hockey bronze medal match between New Zealand and Great Britain on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Riverbank Arena Hockey Centre on August 10, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

  • London Paralympic Games - Day 1

    LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 30: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge leaves the Velodrome after watching cycling events at the London 2012 Paralympic Games on August 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

  • London Paralympic Games - Day 1

    LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 30: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Aquatic Centre in the Olympic Park to watch the evening swimming session at the London 2012 Paralympic Games on August 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

  • 2012 London Paralympics - Day 1 - Cycling - Track

    LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge claps on day 1 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Velodrome on August 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

  • 2012 London Paralympics - Day 4 - Athletics

    LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge takes part in the medal ceremony for the Men's Discus Throw - F42 on day 4 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

  • 2012 London Paralympics - Day 4 - Athletics

    LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Gold medalist Aled Davies of Great Britain is presented his medal by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during the medal ceremony for the Men's Discus Throw - F42 on day 4 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Miles Willis/Getty Images)

  • 2012 London Paralympics - Day 4 - Rowing

    WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Eton Dorney venue to watch the days rowing competitions on day 4 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Eton Dorney on September 2, 2012 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)

  • Royals Attend Thistle Service - Edinburgh

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Thistle Service for the installation of Prince William, Earl of Strathearn as a Knight of the Thistle at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh on July 5, 2012

  • Diamond Jubilee - Service of Thanksgiving At St Pauls Cathedral

    Kate Duchess of Cambridge arrives at a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, London as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations Tuesday June 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Tim Hales, Pool)

  • Royal visit to Nottingham

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she visits Vernon Park during a Diamond Jubilee visit to Nottingham on June 13, 2012.

  • Queen Elizabeth II Hosts A Garden Party At Buckingham Palace

    LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 29: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Anthony Devlin - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend Imperial War Museum reception

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends a reception at the Imperial War Museum in London on April 26, 2012.

  • Royal visit to Leicester

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge listens to a welcome speech in Leicester City Centre as she accompanies The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Leicester on March 8, 2012. The visit marks the first of Queen Elizabeth ll's Diamond Jubilee tours of the UK.

  • St Patrick's Day Parade

    The Duchess of Cambridge as she presents shamrocks to The Irish Guards at their St Patrick's Day Parade at the Mons Barracks in Aldershot. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday March 17, 2012. Members of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards will receive traditional sprigs of shamrock from the Duchess of Cambridge at their St Patrick's Day parade today. See PA story ROYAL Barracks. Photo credit should read: Paul Vicente/Sunday Times/PA Wire

  • Duchess of Cambridge visits East Anglia's Children's Hospices

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge officially opens The Treehouse Children's Hospice in Ipswich on March 19, 2012.

  • Lucian Freud Portraits exhibition - London

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits the National Portrait Gallery on London on February 8, 2012.

  • War Horse UK Film Premiere - London

    Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the UK Premiere of War Horse at the Odeon, Leicester Square on January 8, 2012

  • The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Diamond Jubilee Tour - Day 2

    SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 12: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits Gardens by the Bay on day 2 of the Diamond Jubilee Tour of the Far East on September 12, 2012 in Singapore. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee Tour of the Far East taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and the tiny Pacific Island of Tuvalu. (Photo by Mark Large - Pool/Getty Images)

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 1st wedding anniversary

    File photo dated 21/04/12 ofthe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Santa Barbara Polo Club in California, USA, where the Duke will play in a charity match.

  • Kate Middleton

    Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, attends a rodeo demonstration at the Calgary Stampede on Thursday, July 7, 2011, in Calgary, Alberta. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada - Day Eight

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the BMO Centre after a Rodeo reception, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada - Day Two

    The Duchess of Cambridge during her visit to the Canadian Museum of Civilisation in Gatineau, Quebec, where she and the Duke of Cambridge watched new citizens receive their Citizen certificates on Canada Day.

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada - Day One

    The Duchess of Cambridge waves to well-wishers, as she and the Duke of Cambridge arrive at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa Canada.

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada - Day Seven

    The Duchess of Cambridge at Parliament Hill in Ottawa for Canada Day celebrations on the second day of her visit to the Commonwealth country.

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada - Day Eight

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Calgary Airport, Canada.

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada - Day Seven

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch the Canada Day's Evening show on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for Canada on the second day of their visit to the Commonwealth country.

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 1st wedding anniversary

    File photo dated 05/07/11 ofthe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Blachford Lake near Yellowknife.

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada - Day Five

    The Duchess of Cambridge arrives in the province of Prince Edward Island during their visit to Canada.

  • Prince's Trust concert - London

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Royal Albert Hall in London to attend a concert in support of the Prince's Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry on December 6, 2011.

  • 2011 BAFTA Brits To Watch Event

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the 2011 BAFTA Brits To Watch Event at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

  • Royal visit to open hospital unit

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on September 29, 2011 in Sutton, England.

  • Prince's Trust concert - London

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Royal Albert Hall in London to attend a concert in support of the Prince's Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry on December 6, 2011.

  • 2011 BAFTA Brits To Watch Event

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrive at the 2011 BAFTA Brits To Watch Event at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

  • William at 30

    File photo dated 30/04/11 ofthe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walking hand in hand from Buckingham Palace in London the day after their wedding.

  • The Royal Wedding

    The Duchess of Cambridge leaves Clarence House to travel to Buckingham Palace for the evening celebrations following her wedding earlier.

  • The Royal Wedding

    Catherine Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey with her sister and Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton to marry Prince William on April 29, 2011.

  • Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge stand outside of Westminster Abbey after their Royal Wedding in London. AP Photo/Martin Meissner

  • President Obama state visit to UK- Day One

    The wife of U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama (R), talks to Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace, in London May 24, 2011. President Barack Obama on Tuesday begins a visit to Britain where he and Prime Minister David Cameron will review NATO action to help end conflict in Libya and Western policy towards uprisings in the Arab world. REUTERS/Toby Melville (BRITAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY ROYALS)

  • William and Kate visit Sutton - London

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on September 29, 2011 in Sutton, England.

  • The Chakravarty Cup Polo Match

    TETBURY, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 10: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Kate Middleton watches Prince William and Prince Harry play in the Chakravarty Cup polo match at the Beaufort Polo Club on July 10, 2010 in Tetbury, England. (Photo by Indigo/Getty Images)

  • Prince William and Kate Middleton Attend Harry Meade And Rosie Bradford's Wedding

    CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 23: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Kate Middleton attends Harry Meade & Rosie Bradford's wedding at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Northleach, on October 23, 2010 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Indigo/Getty Images)

  • Royal engagement

    Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for photographs in the State Apartments of St James Palace on November 16, 2010 in London. After much speculation, Clarence House today announced the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton. The couple will get married in either the Spring or Summer of next year and continue to live in North Wales while Prince William works as an air sea rescue pilot for the RAF. The couple became engaged during a recent holiday in Kenya having been together for eight years.

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge waxworks

    File photo dated 16/11/2010 of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a photocall in the State Apartments of St James's Palace, London to mark their engagement.