Kate breaks silence on edited photo to say 'sorry' and admits who changed image

11 March 2024 , 10:32

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Kate breaks silence on edited photo to say 'sorry' and admits who changed image

The Princess of Wales has admitted editing a photo of her and her children to mark Mother's Day and issued a personal apology for any confusion after it was accused of being digitally altered.

Last night, several of the world's biggest international photo agencies said the photograph issued of Kate and her three children had been "manipulated". The Associated Press (AP) Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Getty Images all separately issued a "kill notice" to media organisations around the globe, confirming they had each deleted the image from their individual libraries - and today the Press Association followed suit until it they had further information from Kensington Palace.

The photo released yesterday of Kate and her three children for Mother's Day (PA)

Kate during her last public appearance on Christmas Day (UK Press via Getty Images)

This morning in a rare person post on X, signed C denoting it was from Kate, the princess admitted: "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"

Meanwhile a palace source added: "The Princess has shared a statement on social media. This was an amateur, family photograph taken by the Prince of Wales. Their royal highnesses wanted to offer an informal picture of the family together for Mother's Day. The Princess made minor adjustments as she shared in her statement on social media. The Wales family spent Mother’s Day together and had a wonderful day."

The photograph, released yesterday, shows Kate embraced by Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine and Prince Louis, five. The image, the palace said, was taken by Prince William and was posted on social media. It was the first official photo of Kate since she had abdominal surgery earlier this year. The 42-year-old future queen had last been pictured in public during a Christmas Day walk in Sandringham, Norfolk.

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Royal fans have questioned parts of the image (PA)

Eagle-eyed royal fans on social media spotted that the sleeve of Princess Charlotte's arm did not line-up (PA)

The sweet family portrait came with a message, which appeared to be written and signed off by Kate herself, and said: "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day. C".

But after it was released, eagle-eyed royal fans on social media spotted that the sleeve of Princess Charlotte's arm did not line-up. Questions were also raised over Prince George's right hand being out of focus. Portrait photographer Martin Bamford posted the image on X, writing: "Professional photographer here. Look closely at Princess Charlotte’s wrist. This is what happens when you composite layers in Photoshop. I’m not speculating on why the photo was edited like this, but it's weird."

It also came as palace aides last week hit out at "the madness of social media" after a series of conspiracy theories over Kate's whereabouts spiralled out of control. Kensington Palace issued a rare statement reacting to online speculation about the Princess's health amidst concerns she had not been seen in public since Christmas.

William and Kate with their children on Christmas morning (UK Press via Getty Images)

A Palace spokesperson said at the time: "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.” They did, however, add that Kate continues to do "well". Kate is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter, and William, 41, temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children as she recovered.

Earlier this month the Army was forced into an embarrassing about-turn after suggesting Kate would attend Trooping the Colour on June 8. Tickets were being sold for the event, with Kate expected to attend in her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, the regiment which is trooping its colour this year. However, it is understood the Army did not seek approval from Kensington Palace before publishing the page, and the website was subsequently updated to remove the reference to her.

Russell Myers