Expert warns of huge risk facing Kate Middleton after Photoshop gaffe
Kate Middleton could be facing a huge risk as the 'photogate' saga continues to unfold, warns an expert.
The Princess of Wales has faced widespread controversy after several photo agencies issued an unprecedented 'kill notice' on her recent Mother's Day photograph - the first official picture of the mother-of-three since Christmas Day - following concerns it had been 'manipulated'.
In a rare personal statement to her followers, the princess, who is currently recovering from abdominal surgery, apologised for any 'confusion' the family portrait may have caused, explaining that, as an 'amateur photographer', she will 'occasionally experiment with editing'.
This explanation appears to have done little to quell wild public speculation and rumours surrounding Kate's health and whereabouts, and the furore over the pic likely won't die down anytime soon.
Indeed, a former tabloid editor has warned that the future queen now faces a significant risk which could result in long-term reputational damage.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, former editor of The Sun newspaper David Yelland cautioned that the storm hasn't yet passed, with the worst potentially still yet to come.
Sharing his predictions, Mr Yelland remarked: "I sort of don't want to say this, but I will anyway... I think Kate's one step away from a really major reputational problem here - for example if the original photo is nothing like the photo we saw."
Mr Yelland went on to state that, if the original photograph is leaked, and is found to have more than just cosmetic changes, this could have severe consequences for Kate, and indeed the reputation of the wider British Royal family. He continued: "It'd take a long time for her to get over that."
Meanwhile, a palace source has said 'minor adjustments' were made to the image, claiming: "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."
A number of issues were noted with the Mother's Day photograph, which aides said was taken by Prince William at their family home. Eagle-eyed social media users noticed an empty space where Princess Charlotte's sleeve should have been, while the pattern of Prince Louis' jumper appears disrupted on his right arm.
After the picture was recalled, photo agencies stated that a replacement wouldn't be provided. At the time of writing, Kensington Palace has confirmed it 'would not be reissuing the original unedited photograph of Kate and her children', in a move that has attracted criticism.
The British Press Photographers' Association has now called upon the Palace to release the image, making the following statement: "We would urge everyone involved to make the original images available for inspection so that we can assess what has been done, make sure that it doesn't happen again and allow this story to be the last time that manipulated images are distributed to the media."