THE diamond jubilee tour of southeast Asia and the South Pacific has come at a time of enormous distraction for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

In many ways, the nine-day trip has been overshadowed by the legal battle being fought to contain pictures of Prince William’s wife sunbathing topless.

Despite a Paris court banning future publication of the photographs in France, it is regrettable that Danish magazine Se Og Hoer now says it plans to print the pictures.

It has been a whirlwind of controversy, legal wrangling and ethical debate about privacy. And yet it has been impossible to tell from the couple’s demeanour that such controversy has been raging.

Every step they have taken has been thoroughly professional as they have continued through the tour.

They have greeted locals in traditional dress, joined in their customs, and appeared natural and happy.

Whatever embarrassment or anger they may feel, it has been well hidden and, as far as the outside world is concerned, the result has been joyful.

The Duke and Duchess have established themselves as the faces of the modern Royal Family. They are popular at home and a force for good abroad.

This latest tour – for all the controversy in the background – has been another triumph in public relations.

The people of south-east Asia and the South Pacific will not remember the trip for a topless photo but for the smiles of a charming couple.