Images

Kate Middleton issues apology over ‘edited’ Mother’s Day photo, fuelling conspiracies

Kate Middleton issues apology over ‘edited’ Mother’s Day photo, fuelling conspiracies

The Princess of Wales has found herself at the centre of a media storm amid a break from royal duties in light of a 'planned abdominal surgery'.
11 Mar, 2024

Princess of Wales Kate Middleton found herself at the centre of a media storm after the publication of a photograph allegedly taken by her husband, Prince William, to mark Mother’s Day in the UK.

The image, which featured the Princess with her three children, was intended to celebrate the occasion but instead stirred controversy and fuelled conspiracies surrounding her absence from the public sphere. To add fuel to the fire, four prominent news agencies ‘killed’ the photo — a term used in the media to denote that the agencies removed it from circulation.

In response to the uproar surrounding the photo, the Princess issued a statement expressing regret for any confusion caused by the image. She acknowledged that, like many amateur photographers, she “occasionally experiments with editing,” hinting at potential alterations made to the picture. The statement, shared on the royal couple’s X account, was signed off with a simple “C”.

On Monday morning, the Press Association — the newswire most relied on by the Royal Family — removed the photo from its service, followed by Reuters, the Associated Press and Agence France-Press.

The Press Association, in particular, emphasised the need for a clarification from Kensington Palace regarding the photograph. “In the absence of that clarification, we are killing the image from our picture service,” the news image wire stated.

The Princess’ recent absence from public engagements due to medical reasons has fuelled speculation and concern, exacerbated by the lack of specific information provided by the palace.

Even before the photograph was withdrawn, it sparked interest because it was the first time Middleton had been seen in public since Christmas Day, when she attended church in Sandringham, along with her family.

On January 17, Kensington Palace issued a statement saying she had undergone “planned abdominal surgery” which would require a 10-day hospital stay but declined to specify the reason for the operation. It indicated that Middleton would not resume her royal duties — meaning public appearances — until after Easter, if not later. In February Prince William attended the BAFTA Film Awards alone.

Last week a paparazzi photograph emerged of Middleton and her mother in a car. The blurry picture, in which the Princess is wearing large sunglasses, did little to alleviate public concern. And despite initial positive reception, the Mother’s Day photo also sparked criticism due to discrepancies identified within the picture by online commentators.

As conspiracy theories abound, it seems clear that the public won’t be satisfied with anything short of an actual appearance from the Princess.

Comments

Syed Hasni Mar 11, 2024 06:04pm
Why do dads always take pictures? Cause they are your paparazzi It is all Prince William's fault.
Recommend
Malik Khurram Mar 11, 2024 07:48pm
Who cares? I don't care for the public fascination with these 'royals' over trivial matters when the world is a mess. Focus on the real issues that matter, not this nonsense.
Recommend
Ayesha Mar 11, 2024 08:40pm
Yeah always blame a man .dumb take
Recommend
NYS Mar 11, 2024 10:29pm
If Kate M was experimenting the click then she should not float it officially and ultimately no controversy spark... Wales toök every step curatively
Recommend
NYS Mar 11, 2024 10:40pm
@SYED HASNI picture speaks thousands words at the same time dad looks same in regards to every picture
Recommend
Asad Mar 12, 2024 01:09am
Tough to be a wife or husband married into British Royal family.
Recommend
A Mar 12, 2024 09:51am
Leave her alone. It is basic decency to stop probing if someone is so obviously trying to hide something personal, like a medical condition. The photo editing glitches weren't so significant to ring alarm bells. An expert said it himself it wasn't AI generated, so at least we know she is alive and safe in her house. What more do you want to know?
Recommend
Syed Hasni Mar 12, 2024 03:17pm
@NYS I apologize , did you eat bread today because what you said is just, Naansense
Recommend