The Princess of Wales has issued an apology “for any confusion” after acknowledging her involvement in “editing” a contentious Mother’s Day photograph featuring her and her children.
In a statement released this morning, Kate expressed, “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.”
Royal sources clarified that the adjustments made were minor and that Kate and the Prince of Wales aimed to present an informal snapshot of the family together for Mother’s Day. “The Wales family spent Mother’s Day together and had a wonderful day,” the source added.
Several prominent media outlets, including Reuters, Associated Press (AP), Getty Images, Agence France-Presse (AFP), and the Press Association, were instructed to remove the photo from their systems and archives after it circulated on Sunday. AP highlighted an “inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand” as the reason behind the retraction.
Initially, Kensington Palace declined to comment following the withdrawal of the image. The photo in question, released to commemorate Mother’s Day, features Kate surrounded by her and Prince William’s three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Addressing the controversy, Graham Smith from the anti-monarchy group Republic remarked, “The manipulation of an image that the palace says was taken by William is extraordinary. If true it is a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.” He condemned such actions as reminiscent of “dystopian behaviour,” questioning the ethics of fabricating a photograph to quell online speculation.
The unfolding controversy threatened to overshadow the Commonwealth Day service, a significant royal event. Prince William and the Queen were scheduled to convene with the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey later in the day, with the notable absence of the King, who continues treatment for cancer.
