11-3-2024 (LONDON) In an unexpected revelation, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has acknowledged personally editing the photo of her with her children that was released on Mother’s Day, expressing apologies for what she termed as her amateurish skills.
In a post on X, the Duchess stated, ‘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 photo, the first official picture of the Duchess since undergoing abdominal surgery in January, stirred intense speculation on social media. Keen-eyed viewers pointed out anomalies such as Princess Charlotte’s blurred sleeve and sections of the backdrop not aligning correctly.
Further suspicions arose regarding elements like the foliage in the background, seemingly inconsistent with the time of year, and the absence of a wedding ring. Several major picture agencies, including PA, AFP, Reuters, and AP, chose to withdraw the image from their services, citing apparent manipulation.
PA conveyed in a message to media outlets: ‘This image is being removed from our picture service in the absence of clarification from Kensington Palace on the veracity of the image.’
The photo frenzy followed weeks of social media rumors about Kate’s whereabouts during her time away from the public eye post-surgery. While Kensington Palace stressed her right to privacy, unauthorized incidents continued to draw attention.
Last Monday, US gossip site TMZ published a paparazzi shot of the Duchess in a car near Windsor Castle, marking her first public appearance in two months. The British Army, the following day, prematurely announced her attendance at the Trooping the Colour event on June 15, sparking a clarification from Kensington Palace.
Uncle Gary Goldsmith’s appearance on Celebrity Big Brother also contributed to the ongoing media attention. The Mother’s Day post, seemingly aimed at dispelling rumors and showcasing the Duchess’s well-being, unintentionally added to the speculation surrounding the recent events in her life.
