12 March 2024 , 19:41
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Catherine, Princess of Wales, will be feeling ‘miserable’ over the storm surrounding her retouched Mother’s Day photograph, a top royal expert has predicted.
Furore has erupted since the royal family released a photograph on Sunday showing 42-year-old Kate surrounded by her three children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis. The image came months after Kate underwent surgery and after the public were told initially that she would not be able to return to royal duties until after Easter while she recovered, although conflicting reports have suggested she won’t return to work for many more weeks after this.
With the Princess absent from the public eye, sordid speculation has erupted about her condition online, and the release of the Mother’s Day photo was intended to calm the rumour mill. However, the snap had the opposite effect as royal fans spotted glaring clues that the image had been altered, prompting Kate to issue an apology alongside a confession that she had retouched the image.
Royal correspondent Jennie Bond, 73, had now speculated that the Princess will be feeling miserable about the rejuvenated speculation and has also warned that there is a risk continued scrutiny about the mum-of-three could tip into the realm of bullying. She has also spoken out to remind the public that the royal is still recovering from surgery.
On Monday, Princess Kate explained that a photograph she shared online on Sunday had been retouched (PA)
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been out of the spotlight since she had surgery in January (Getty Images)Speaking on GB News, the former BBC Newsreader said: “We are in danger of bullying a lady who is trying to recover from a very serious operation. I think of how she must be feeling this morning. Absolutely miserable, I think.
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“Her Mother's Day was obviously ruined by this row. She was photographed yesterday in the car with William. From what we can see, she didn't look that happy, she must feel under intense pressure now whenever she's going to be seen in public.”
Jennie added: “The pressure has doubled and redoubled. I think she's in a fragile mental and physical state. And we should lay off her.”
The photo debacle has been making headlines around the world. Over in the USA, talk show host Whoopi Goldberg addressed the controversy and urged viewers of The Talk to show compassion for the Princess. She said: "She may be the future Queen (but) she's still an amateur photographer."
While royal expert Angela Levin tweeted on Tuesday: “People should be proud that Princess Catherine hasn't blamed any member of staff and realise how honourable she is. Harry and Meghan's supporters can stop saying they wouldn't have had a Photoshop fail and should take over. Jumping in when someone is unwell is dishonourable.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, issued an explanation for the photograph on Monday after social media went wild over speculation about the changes made to the image. In a statement issued online she wrote: “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.”