11 March 2024 , 14:50
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The Princess of Wales has been spotted breaking cover - just hours after issuing an personal apology following a photo editing row over a Mother's Day snap.
Kate has been seen in a car leaving Windsor alongside husband Prince William, who attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon. Kate, who is still recovering from abdominal surgery that was carried out earlier this year, was not at the ceremony but is understood to have a private appointment. Her appearance comes after earlier today, she publicly took the blame for the manipulated family photograph released by Kensington Palace as she issued a personal apology for the 'confusion'.
The Prince and Princess of Wales leaving Windsor this afternoon (Bruce Bennett)Kate said sorry with a statement on social media which read: "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 photograph of Kate and her children, taken by the Prince of Wales, was the first to be issued since the princess's abdominal surgery and was released by the Palace to mark Mother's Day. But it was withdrawn with a 'Kill' notice by international picture agencies hours later, and the UK's Press Association on Monday, because of suspicions it had been manipulated.
The photo released of Kate and her children to mark Mother's Day (PA)
William arrives at Westminster Abbey (Samir Hussein/WireImage)Concerns were raised over a missing part of Princess Charlotte’s sleeve and the misaligned edge of her skirt, with other speculation including the positioning of Kate's zip. Royal sources said the Princess of Wales made "minor adjustments" and that Kate and the Prince of Wales wanted to offer an informal picture of the family together for Mother's Day. "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 source said.
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William alongside Queen Camilla during the Commonwealth Day service (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)"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." Despite calls for the original to be published, Kensington Palace said it would not be reissuing the unedited photograph of Kate and her children.
During the Commonwealth Day service today, William arrived moments before Camilla at the Commonwealth Day service amid the debacle over the digitally altered photo he took of his family. But the BBC One cameras filming the live televised service directed its focus instead on the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh being greeted by clergy. William, dressed in a dark blue suit, could later be seen speaking to guests in the welcoming line up.
Prince William at the annual Commonwealth Day service (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)William chatted with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal as they waited near the Great West Door for the Queen to finish meeting people in the welcoming line. The prince greeted Edward with a friendly pat on the arm and a kiss on both cheeks, before standing in conversation with his aunts and uncle. As Camilla approached, William was seen to say 'hello' to his stepmother before moving forward to kiss her on both cheeks. They smiled and chatted as they stood side by side ready for the national anthem to be played.
Last week the palace 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.
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.