Ever since Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, underwent her much talked about abdominal surgery, she has been shrouded with speculations. Her prolonged absence from Royal duties, and no clarification on her health status, has sparked many rumors around the globe. Now, the release of her latest photo alongside her children has sparked an even bigger controversy. So much so, that many major publications have retracted the said image. But why? Let’s find out!
Kate Middleton Latest Image With Children Digitally Manipulated
Amid a storm of speculations and rumors, Prince William released an image of the Princess and their children on Mother’s Day. He shared the picture on the official Prince and Princess of Wales’s social media accounts. With an accompanying message – “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”
This was the first official picture released by the palace ever since Kate Middleton underwent surgery. Thus, understandably, most publications rushed to republish the picture without much ado. However, later, on post publication review, four major news and publication agencies noticed a discrepancy in Princess Charlotte’s left hand. Upon this, the agencies – Getty Images, AFP, Reuters and Associated Press, pulled the image from their publications.
On Sunday, the Associated Press issued a “kill notification” – an industry term used to make a retraction. “At closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image,” they claimed over the Kate Middleton picture. Further adding that they won’t be sending any replacement image. Post that, Reuters and Getty Images too issued similar statement and retracted the picture in question.
Meanwhile, PA media did not actively kill the image. But they did clarify that they are seeking urgent clarification from Kensington Palace for the concerns about the seemingly manipulated image. In fact, even X/Twitter has now put a disclaimer on the Prince and Princess of Wales official account for the controversial Kate Middleton image. Saying – the image is “believed to be digitally altered”.
The Princess Explains
Interestingly, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales took to the same official Instagram account to offer an explanation for the Image in question. She explains that she is just like any other amateur photographer, and loves to experiment with editing. Thus, the discrepancies created in the picture were just a result of her experimentation. Furthermore, she apologised for the confusions caused. See her message below.
It seems that The Palace had made an attempt to put to rest all rumors and speculations around the Princess of Wales with this picture. However, unfortunately, the picture has only added fuel to an already raging fire. Could this new explanation make damage control? Tell us in the comments. Meanwhile, stay tuned to TV Season & Spoilers for more follow up stories on Kate Middleton and other Royal Family News.