A photograph posted by the Kensington Palace on Sunday has been causing a ruckus on social media.
The Palace had published the much maligned photo with Princess of Wales Kate surrounded by her three children — George, 10; Charlotte, eight; and Louis, five.
The photo was said to have been taken by Prince William last week at the family’s home in Windsor.
It was published on Sunday to coincide with Mother’s Day and to attempt to put an end to speculation about Kate’s health. It was meant to be the first official photo of her since her surgery in January.
The last time Kate was photographed in public was on Christmas Day while attending a church service at the Royal Family’s Sandringham estate.
In the post, Kate said: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C.”
However, eagle-eyed observers on social media raised concerns about the image almost immediately.
The Princess of Wales has personally apologised after a photograph released on Mother’s Day sparked controversy after claims it had been digitally altered.
Rather than quelling ongoing speculation about her health following abdominal surgery in January, the photograph instead raised further questions after eagle-eyed observers raised discrepancies in the picture shortly after it was released.
Four international photo agencies later retracted the image, followed by the UK’s main press agency, PA Media.
The Princess later tweeted an apology:
Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 11, 2024
See the reactions:
I am struggling to believe that the most famous royal family in the world – and the woman who would be queen – fiddled around with photoshop and put out a family pic (designed to quash rumours about her whereabouts) without anyone in the ranks inspecting it. Nah. Not buying it.
— Sonia Poulton (@SoniaPoulton) March 11, 2024
So the original unedited version will be shared when?!
— Craig (@Craig_Edinb) March 11, 2024
It’s the people replying as if this is actually Kate for me 😭
— liv 💛 (@oliviazao) March 11, 2024
Someone in your press office/PR department needs a very constructive 1-2-1 or end of year review. This has, in absolutely no way whatsoever, made this bizarre situation any better.
— Simon Davis | Author (@madvisions_pens) March 11, 2024
The palace just threw her right under the bus huh? Zero chance this is true.
— Tayyy (@tayjoness) March 11, 2024
Blame for William, support for Kate:
What kind of “man,” if you can even call him that, makes his wife take the fall like this? Pathetic. 🙄
— Why Am I Surprised (@SurprisedWhy) March 11, 2024
No apology need it. Every picture has some type of editing, and these people are out for a witch hunt. You focus on healing, and the media can seriously go away. Please don’t provide them with any more pictures of your children. Post it just on your social media pages.
— Sabirah Lohn 💕🦕🦖 (@SabirahLohn) March 11, 2024
