Kate 'very sad' over Mother's Day image row as she 'just wanted perfect photo'

12 March 2024 , 10:29

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Kate Middleton earlier apologised for the 'confusion' surrounding the image (Image: PA)

The Princess of Wales is thought to be "very sad" following the controversy that has been linked to her Mother's Day photograph, according to royal insiders.

It comes after an image was released of Kate and her three children as they celebrated the special day. However, critics hit back at the image and said it had been edited, proposing theories on why the picture was doctored. Others questioned why Kate wasn't wearing her wedding ring as she posed with Charlotte, George and Louis.

The mum-of-three is understood to have altered the image three times on a computer before it was released on Sunday. She later apologised for the "confusion" and said she was behind the edit. She tweeted: “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.”

Critics questioned Kate's missing ring (PA)

But in the wake of the furore, Royal Family writer Ingrid Seward said: “It is ridiculous and deeply unfair when she is trying to recover from major surgery." And Seward went on: "She has been posing for pictures all her royal life so just give her a break.”

Author Phil Dampier commented: “It is ironic that it is the first time William has taken a picture that they have released publicly and this has happened. It seems he has sent this to Kensington Palace’s press office and they have not picked up on it — and just sent it out without asking any questions.”

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Several agencies have issued a kill notice on the image (AP)

Kensington Palace refused to release the original photo. It also failed to explain which parts had been altered, or say why, reports Birmingham Live. The Palace added in a statement on Monday: “The Wales family spent Mother’s Day together and had a wonderful day.”

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," it said. Speaking to GB News, royal commentator Charles Rae said: "I am appalled at the amount of nonsense that's spoken about this photograph today." The Mirror has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.

Monica Charsley