The recent photo of Kate Middleton with her children on Mother’s Day garnered both admiration and controversy. While many wished her a speedy recovery after her surgery in January, others raised concerns about the photo’s authenticity due to perceived editing flaws.
Royal experts saw the photo release as an attempt to dispel speculation about Middleton’s health. However, soon after, observers pointed out discrepancies, such as Princess Charlotte’s missing sleeve and other inconsistencies, suggesting heavy editing.
Critics questioned the need for such edits and speculated about their reasons, prompting major news agencies to retract the photo. Dr. Hany Farid, a computer science professor, highlighted the suspicious editing, calling it a “bad Photoshop job” with potential implications for royal imagery.
Additionally, Middleton’s absence of her ring fueled speculation about her relationship with Prince William. However, her office clarified that she was at home when the photo was taken, with William serving as the photographer.
In response, Middleton addressed the editing concerns on social media, acknowledging her experimentation with editing and expressing regret for any confusion. Kensington Palace confirmed that the original unedited version would not be reissued.
The incident placed pressure on the palace, with experts noting the rarity of major agencies retracting a royal image. Meanwhile, Middleton faced challenges, including her uncle’s participation in a reality show, which brought unwanted attention to her family during her recovery.