Kate Middleton Blames Her Poor Editing Skills For Family Photo SNAFU That Sent UK Press Into Meltdown
Kate Middleton has blamed her poor photo editing skills for the family photo SNAFU that led multiple agencies to drop an image of her and family yesterday, sending the UK press into meltdown.
Prince William and wife Middleton’s Kensington Palace X account just posted a message from Middleton saying: “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.”
More from Deadline
Kate Middleton Breaks Silence After Surgery, Posts New Family Pic For Mother's Day
Kate Middleton's Uncle Exits 'Celebrity Big Brother' House After Just Five Days
Four major news agencies — Associated Press, Getty Images, Reuters, and AFP — had pulled the photo from their libraries amid concerns it was manipulated by Kensington Palace.
The Prince and Princess of Wales released the photo on Sunday, wishing followers a happy Mother’s Day, and the image was purportedly taken by Prince William this year.
Royal commentators initially said the image would combat weeks of fevered speculation about Middleton’s health after she disappeared from public life following abdominal surgery in January.
But the image further fueled conspiracies after eagle-eyed social media users spotted defects in the photo that suggested it had been altered.
Chris Ship, ITV News’ royal editor, said there were “serious questions” for Kensington Palace after it appeared that elements of the image, including Princess Charlotte’s sleeve, were doctored.
The debacle dominated front pages around the world and Middleton’s statement has attempted to put the speculation to bed.
Kensington Palace announced in mid-January that Middleton had had abdominal surgery in London and wouldn’t be seen in public for around three months. However, speculation had been rising in recent weeks as to her whereabouts and that of William, who had also been absent from certain engagements. William’s father, King Charles III, is currently recovering from cancer and has also been seen in public less.
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
No comment from Kensington Palace tonight after at least 3 international pictures agencies refuse to distribute this morning’s photo of Kate and her children. Some of them (@AP ) have claimed “the source [the palace] has manipulated the image”. pic.twitter.com/ppOwDtPr9P
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 10, 2024
Best of Deadline
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
2024 Awards Season Calendar - Dates For Writers Guild, Tonys & More
2024 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.