The editor of the Irish newspaper that published topless photos of British royal Kate Middleton has resigned.

Michael O’Kane has left the company jointly owned by Ireland’s INM and England’s Express Newspapers.

The former broadcaster was in the eye of a storm after the controversial publication of topless photographs of the Duchess of Cambridge.

The Sunday Independent reports that O’Kane was suspended from his job in September while an internal investigation was carried out into the paper’s decision to rerun pictures of Kate and Prince William sunbathing on a private holiday in France.

A statement issued by the Irish Daily Star said: “As a result of the publication on 15 September 2012, issues arose with the shareholders of Independent Star Limited.

“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.”

Joint-owners Independent News and Media said O’Kane had acted at all times in a highly professional and appropriate manner and in the best interests of the newspaper.

An INM statement said: “Furthermore, he followed all editorial policies and guidelines.”