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The Associated Press and several major international photo distribution agencies issued a takedown notice for an unlikely image last week: a beaming Kate Middleton, surrounded by her three children as they celebrated Mother’s Day. The notice was issued after it became clear that the photo had been manipulated; The following day, an apology was issued via social media from the Princess of Wales for her alleged Photoshop work.
It has now come to light that another photo supposedly taken by Kensington Palace, if not Middleton herself, has also been photoshopped. A photo published in 2023 to celebrate what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 97th birthday came under scrutiny, as media outlets and people on social media found clear signs of alterations, edits and manipulation.
The photo in question was published in April 2023. At that time, Kensington Palace that the photo was taken by the Princess of Wales the previous year, while the family was on a trip to Balmoral, the queen’s favorite home. The photo shows Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as their grandchildren Mia, Lena, Lucas, Savannah, Isla, James and Lady Louise.
The Guardian’s Sunday newspaper, The Observer, noted Several cases where the photo was digitally altered. It appears Prince Louis, the youngest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, has been moved back into the frame and Zara Tindall’s daughter’s hair has been copied and pasted.
The outlet posed a question that sums it up well: “How could news agencies protect their reputations if they did not respond last week to growing claims by fans that the image was untrustworthy?”
In many ways, Kensington Palace is becoming an increasingly distrustful source, something that was unimaginable just a few weeks ago. Conspiracy theories about Middleton’s prolonged absence were already running at a steady pace; The release of the clearly doctored photo on Mother’s Day sent them into overdrive.
The manipulation of the Balmoral photo was also reported on Twitter/X, where the user Le__Katerina wrote, “Did the late queen ever pose with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren? It seems not. This photo, taken by Kate Middleton, was edited in at least nine places. Now the media is also reporting on this. A little thread.”
He then proceeded to point out several inconsistencies and errors during the editing of the photo, some of which seem to suggest that some of the children were not actually in the photo.
At the heart of the conversation around Middleton and Kensington Palace is the breakdown of trust between royalty and the public, a public that funds the very existence of the monarchy through the Sovereign Grant. In 2023, that amount posted up to £86.3 million, “£51.8 million funding official travel, property maintenance and operating costs of the Sovereign’s household.”
The main question surrounding the edited photographs and the secrecy surrounding Middleton’s whereabouts and well-being is simply: why? Why go to such lengths to alter and manipulate images, and why not clear up speculation, confusion or concerns with a video release or press conference of some kind?
It seems clear that the palace misjudged a public that has the time and interest to delve into conspiracy theories and uncover the truth, a public that has dealt with politicians who insist that entire elections were stolen, and a world in which it is Surprisingly easy to fake nudes. Photos of one of our biggest pop stars.
Perhaps the palace didn’t really think people would care enough about Middleton’s prolonged absence from the public eye to question her, or perhaps they’re relying on an outdated approach to the monarchy in general, one that dates back to an earlier time. when the monarchy could count on the public to buy the line they are giving them.
In any case, it is clear that there are still some explanations to be given.
