Kensington Palace source explains why Kate's Mother's Day photo was edited

11 March 2024 , 11:35

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The source has explained why the picture was changed (Image: PA)

A Kensington Palace source has explained why the Princess of Wales’ Mother’s Day photo was edited.

The photograph, released yesterday, shows Kate embraced by , 10, , nine, and , 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 Day walk in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Last night several of the world’s biggest photo agencies said the photograph was “manipulated, sparking a kill notice issued to media organisations across the globe by the Press Association (PA), Associated Press (AP), Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Getty Images. Earlier this morning Kate apologised for the confusion.

Now a Palace source has revealed more, saying: “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."

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This morning in a personal post on X, formerly Twitter, 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"

The furore 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.

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.

Antony Clements-Thrower