14 March 2024 , 15:09
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A photographer who managed to snap the Prince and Princess of Wales in a car together on their way to London has hit back at online speculation surrounding the image.
Kate was seen in the car leaving Windsor alongside husband Prince William, who was on his way to the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on Monday 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 had a private appointment to attend. The picture marked the first time that the princess had been seen after she publicly took the blame for a manipulated family photograph released by Kensington Palace for Mother's Day and issued a personal apology for the 'confusion'.
The Prince and Princess of Wales leaving Windsor on Monday afternoon (Bruce Bennett)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 But it was withdrawn with a 'Kill' notice by international picture agencies hours later, and the UK's Press Association on Monday, because of suspicions it had been manipulated.
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."
After the photo of William and Kate being driven in a car emerged on Monday, cruel speculation circled about the photo, with some even claiming it had been doctored. But the photographer who snapped it, Jim Bennett hit back and explained exactly how he captured it.
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Prince William arrives at a youth charity in West London this morning (AP)He told the New York Post: "We don’t change our photos in Photoshop other than adjusting the light levels if necessary. The cars left Windsor Castle and I photographed them a short distance away on Datchet High Street — outside No. 39, to be precise! Car shots are unpredictable at the best of times and with some reflection on the glass, it can be difficult."
He then explained how he initially thought it was just William in the car as he made his way for London for Commonwealth Day - and only realised Kate was with him when he checked his shot. Mr Bennett added: "As it happened, it wasn’t until I checked on the back of the camera to make sure I had a frame of Prince William that I realized there was someone sitting next to him. It turned out to be Catherine!"
Today William appeared to have moved on from the photo row with a visit to a youth charity - just hours before he and estranged brother Prince Harry will both take part in the ceremony paying tribute to Princess Diana. The Prince of Wales was all smiles in a smart navy cardigan as he visited the new WEST (which stands for Where Everyone Sticks Together') OnSide Youth Zone at charity in Hammersmith and Fulham to see the new purpose-built facilities there for young people.
Later today, William will be at the Science Museum in London, where he is expected to give a speech to mark the 25th anniversary of the Diana Legacy Award and present awards to 20 recipients. His estranged brother Harry will then join a video call with the winners, according to reports. However, his involvement will only take place after William has left the ceremony.