(CNN) -- The editor of an Italian magazine that published vacation photos of William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, defended the publication against widespread criticism. "Chi" editor-in-chief Alfonso Signorini said the photos were not scandalous and "portray a couple in love in a happy moment while they are walking on the beach." The photos of the duke and the pregnant, bikini-clad duchess were taken on a public beach and bought from an international agency, he said.