LONDON, The United Kingdom – Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has issued a public apology for the digital alteration of a photograph featuring her with her three children.
This apology came after several prominent news agencies, including The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse, recalled the image on Sunday, March 10, 2024, after they identified that the photograph had been manipulated.
The controversy surrounding the photo has added to the ongoing speculation about the Princess’s public absence since undergoing abdominal surgery nearly two months ago.
In a candid admission on Monday, the 42-year-old Princess explained that the photo alteration stemmed from an amateur attempt at retouching.
Through a social media post, Catherine conveyed her regrets over the confusion the altered image may have caused, stating, “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.”
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
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 11, 2024
The photograph in question was released in celebration of Mother’s Day in Britain, showing the Princess in a joyous moment surrounded by her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Shortly after its publication by Kensington Palace, concerns were raised by The A.P., which highlighted an “inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand,” leading to the conclusion that the image had been digitally manipulated in a manner inconsistent with A.P.’s rigorous photo standards.
Kensington Palace revealed that the photograph was taken by Prince William last week in Windsor, where the royal family resides at Adelaide Cottage within the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The Palace often shares photographs taken by the Princess, who is known for her passion for photography, showcasing private family moments.
A palace official clarified that Catherine had made minor edits to the photograph with the intention of presenting a casual family portrait for Mother’s Day, emphasising that it was Prince William who captured the moment, albeit with edits made by Catherine.
This photograph quickly gained international attention, gracing the front pages of newspapers and websites worldwide, including The New York Times.
Following the advisories from news agencies, The Times and other organizations removed the image from their coverage on Sunday evening, adhering to their standards for authenticity in photography.
