Princess Kate apologizes after her photoshopped photo was leaked

Princess Kate apologized on Monday after publishing a photo with her children on the occasion of Mother's Day, which was not published by major news agencies because the photo was modified with Photoshop.

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“Like many amateur photographers, I sometimes try to post. “I would like to apologize for the confusion caused by the family photo we shared yesterday (Sunday),” the Princess of Wales said in a letter signed C to Catherine, which was posted on X (formerly Twitter). .

The photo sent out on Sunday to mark Mother's Day in the UK – the first official photo since her surgery in January – shows the 42-year-old smiling as she wears jeans, a blazer and a blazer, sitting in a wicker chair on a balcony, surrounded by Her three smiling children.

It was taken last week in Windsor, according to the services of the princely couple, and was accompanied by a short message already signed with the letter “C”: “Thank you for your wishes and continued support over the past two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”

But a detailed examination shows, among other things, that Princess Charlotte's left hand has a misalignment with the sleeve of her jacket, or even a clear break in Princess Kate's zipper, which can be clearly seen by zooming in on the image.

After transmitting the photo provided by the palace, the Associated Press, Reuters, Getty and Agence France-Presse decided not to publish it.

The British Palestinian Authority Agency made the same decision on Monday morning, due to the lack of “clarification” from the services of the princely couple.

“It turns out that the photo provided by Kensington Palace today (Sunday) of Kate and her children has been altered. It has therefore been withdrawn from the AFP service and should not be used in any way,” AFP explained.

The “trust” question

Many followers were also surprised that there was no wedding ring on Kate's finger, who married Prince William, heir to the throne, in 2011.

The photo occupied the front pages of many British newspapers, highlighting in one way or another the controversy that gained momentum late Sunday.

According to royal commentator Peter Hunt, the issue is embarrassing for Kensington Palace because “people will now wonder whether they can be trusted and believed” about the princess's health.

The controversy also risks overshadowing the ceremony at Westminster Abbey to mark Commonwealth Day on Monday, one of the monarchy's major annual events: all active and healthy members of the royal family are expected to attend, including Queen Camilla and Prince William.

In a pre-recorded video message, King Charles, who is being treated for cancer and has suspended his public activities, promised to serve “to the best of his ability” these 56 countries, a large portion of which come from the former British Empire.

Busy week

The effort for transparency demonstrated by the 75-year-old king contrasts with communications regarding his daughter-in-law's health since her abdominal surgery in January. No details were provided at all, which sparked rumours.

The publication of Kate's photo came to conclude an eventful week, with American media publishing a photo taken from afar, and the confusion surrounding the princess's presence at an official event next June.

His last public appearance was at the Christmas Mass held by the royal family in Sandringham (eastern England) at the end of last December.

Unprecedented recognition for the hugely popular princess, whose travels often make headlines in the British media.

Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that the princess had undergone a “scheduled” abdominal surgery in a London clinic.

He conveyed Kate's “desire” for her personal medical information to remain private, and noted that she would not participate in any official public engagements before Easter. William scaled back his plan to stay with his wife and their children.

Twelve days later, the palace said the princess returned to her home in Windsor. Since then, she has issued nothing, or almost nothing, except for a short statement at the end of last February, while questions piled up in the press, to indicate that she “continues to do well”, after canceling a public engagement of Prince William for an unspecified reason. “Personal reason”.

“It's simple, don't use their photos. This is PR, not news,” the anti-monarchy Republic movement commented on Monday on X.