Irish+Daily+Star
Michael O'Kane, the editor of the Irish Daily Star newspaper which published topless photos of Kate Middleton, has resigned after the scandal. Irish Daily Star

Michael O'Kane, the editor of the Irish Daily Star newspaper which published topless photos of Kate Middleton, has resigned.

O'Kane was suspended from his post as editor of the Irish newspaper in September after photos of the Duchess of Cambridge were published of Middleton and Prince William sunbathing while on holiday in France. O'Kane was suspended as an internal investigation was conducted amidst the scandal before announcement of his resignation last week.

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

The Dublin-based newspaper said Northern and Shell group, which co-owns the paper with Independent News and Media, has previously threatened to fold the newspaper after issuing a statement saying it "very much regret the distress it has caused." Independent News and Media, though, told the BBC O'Kane had been professional throughout the scandal following editorial guidelines and policy.

The Irish Daily Star was one of the first to re-publish the photos of Middleton topless after they were first leaked by French gossip magazine Closer. The newspaper was among the publications in France, Italy, Ireland, Sweden and Denmark to include the photos.

"There can be no motivation for this action other than greed," a palace spokesperson said after the scandal erupted worldwide.

Closer was prohibited from publishing any more photos of Middleton both online and in print, and faced fines of $13,000 daily or $130,000 if sold if the injunction is broken.