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DUBLIN  (AFP) - The editor of the Irish Daily Star has resigned after the newspaper published topless photos of Prince William's wife Catherine, its publishers announced Saturday.

Michael O'Kane leaves with immediate effect following his suspension in September, although Independent News & Media said he had at all times acted in a highly professional and independent manner.

On September 15, the Irish newspaper became one of several European publications to print paparazzi pictures of the former Kate Middleton sunbathing in bikini bottoms on the balcony of a chateau in France.

They had first appeared in French magazine Closer, which is currently the target of legal action by the British royal family.

Both Ireland's INM and Britain's Northern and Shell, which co-own the Irish Daily Star, had condemned the publication.

"As a result of the publication on 15 September 2012, issues arose with the shareholders of Independent Star Limited," INM said in a statement Saturday.

"Having considered those issues in tandem with Mr O'Kane, it is Mr O'Kane's decision to resign as editor of the Irish Daily Star, effective immediately."

It said O'Kane, who had been with the newspaper for ten years, "acted at all times in a highly professional and appropriate manner and in the best interests of the Irish Daily Star and followed all editorial policies and guidelines".