Kate Middleton Baby Bump in Bikini: Italian Magazine Invades Royal Valentine's Privacy [PHOTOS]

Just when Kate Middleton and Prince William thought about some private tropical time in Mustique, the paparazzi has struck again, publishing photos of the Duchess in her bikini with a bulging baby bump.

Last week, it was announced that the Royal couple jetted off to the Caribbean island of Mustique with the Duchess parents for some private vacation time. It was assured by the island that the couple's stay will be "paparazzi-free." Unfortunately for the couple, t it seems that the privacy of the royals has already been invaded as an Italian magazine published photos of Catherine wearing a blue bikini with her baby bump.

Chi Magazine, the same magazine responsible for publishing topless Kate Middleton photos in the past, is defending the publication for releasing the controversial vacation photos.

"it is not possible to talk about a breach of privacy when public personalities are photographed in a public, open place such as (a) beach, attended by bathers'' says Chi editor Alfonso Signorini as posted in a report by E! Online.

Other magazines based in different parts of the world are trying to get their hands on the photos as well. It was said that Women's Day from Australia, and Paris Match from France are offering as much as $1m to gain its rights to publish.

The royals can breathe a little knowing that British publications have already declined to pry in on the whole "Kate Middleton bikini baby bump" bandwagon as they have restrained themselves. It is said that all British media are honouring a "gentleman's agreement" to respect the privacy of the royal couple.