One in five Brits have seen Kate topless

The research from YouGov reveals that as of 21 September, some 20% of adults had seen the images online, while an additional 1% have seen them in foreign publications.

The publication of the images in the Irish Daily Star, which is part owned by Richard Desmond, has resulted in the editor of the publication being suspended, while the royal family is taking legal action against the French versions of Closer, the first publication to print the images.

Some 72% of people believe the royal family's decision to pursue legal action is correct, while 61% of respondents believe the paparrazo who took the intrusive pictures should be prosecuted.

Unsurprisingly, a higher proportion of men than women have seen the images online and the 18 to 24 age group are the demographic that have been most prolific in looking up the images.

Some 26% of men have looked up the images online, compared to 15% of women.

YouGov’s survey found that 47% of 18- to 24-year-olds had looked up the images, compared to 32% of 25- to 39-year-olds, 14% of 40- to 59-year-olds, and 7% of those aged 60 and over.

Results were taken from a survey of 1,608 British adults between 20-21 September.

Follow @mattchapmanuk

This article was first published on mediaweek.co.uk