Image of Middleton, children was shared on Mother’s Day in the U.K.
Princess Kate Middleton issued an apology on Monday after revealing that a photo of her and her children shared on official palace social media accounts to mark Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom had been edited.
“Like many amateur photographers, I occasionally experiment with editing. I want to express my apologies for any confusion caused by the family photograph we shared yesterday,” she wrote on X. “I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”
The image featured Middleton with her children, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte. As of Monday morning, it remains posted on The Prince and Princess of Wales X account.
“Thank you for your kind wishes and ongoing support over the past two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day,” the caption read, signed with a “C” for Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Related Article: Kate Middleton’s Abdominal Surgery
The Associated Press and other news agencies started removing the image from their websites due to concerns of manipulation.
“AP initially released the photo, provided by Kensington Palace. However, AP later withdrew the image upon closer examination, as it seemed the source had altered the image in a manner not compliant with AP’s photo standards. The photo displays an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand,” the news agency stated.
Upon closer examination, inconsistencies were found in the image indicating potential alterations. For instance, there were discrepancies noted in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand with the sleeve of her sweater. Additionally, some viewers on social media highlighted blurriness around the royal’s hair, zipper, and Prince Louis’ hand. Kensington Palace chose not to provide a comment.
According to AP, their “editorial standards state that images must be accurate. AP does not use altered or digitally manipulated images.”
According to AP’s news values and principles, minor photo editing such as cropping, toning, and color adjustments is acceptable if it’s necessary for clear and accurate reproduction while preserving the authentic nature of the photograph.
However, changes that significantly alter the original scene, such as adjustments in density, contrast, color, and saturation levels, are not allowed. Backgrounds should not be digitally blurred or removed through aggressive toning. Additionally, the removal of “red eye” from photographs is not permissible.
When AP concluded that the photo seemed to have been manipulated, it issued what’s referred to as a “photo kill,” an industry term indicating the retraction of the image and instructing clients to remove it from their systems.
Middleton has also faced accusations of Photoshop errors regarding her family’s 2023 Christmas card, which also included her children and Prince William. In that image, Louis appears to be missing a finger.
Middleton has mostly stayed out of the public eye since December and has been recovering from abdominal surgery she underwent in January. On January 17, the palace initially announced Middleton’s hospitalization.
“Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful, and it is anticipated that she will stay in the hospital for ten to fourteen days before returning home to continue her recovery,” the statement read.