Kate Middleton Apologizes for ‘Confusion’ Over Family Photo That Caused Controversy

Kate Middleton apologizes for editing a family photo that was pulled by multiple news agencies.

On Monday, the Princess of Wales said she regretted what she called “any confusion” over a photo taken by her husband Prince William and released on Sunday to mark Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom

At around 10:30am UK time on Monday, Kate wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Like many amateur photographers I occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to apologize for any confusion caused by the family photo we shared yesterday . I hope everyone who celebrates had a happy Mother’s Day.”

Her apology on social media, which was signed with a “C” for Catherine, came after prominent picture agencies such as AP and Reuters pulled the picture citing claims of manipulation.

A source told PEOPLE that Kate made what they called “minor adjustments” to an “amateur, family photo taken by the Prince of Wales.”

Kate and William’s motivation was to “offer an informal picture of the family together for Mother’s Day,” the source added. “The family spent Mother’s Day together and had a wonderful day.”

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The palace would not be drawn on the part of the photo that was altered. When the AP issued a “kill alert” — writing in a warning to reporters that “upon closer inspection, it appears the source manipulated the image” — most attention focused on Princess Charlotte’s left hand.

Others pointed out inconsistencies in the pattern placement of the sweater on Prince Louis’ shoulder, as well as an uneven white line in the background near his knee.

The photo of the Princess of Wales and her children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, was meant to thank well-wishers for their support during her recovery and reassure people that her recovery is ongoing after a host of conspiracy theories about her fueled social media. But instead, by the end of the day, she had unleashed a firestorm of social media inquiries and justified questions from picture editors. The photo was later removed from the libraries of leading photo agencies who suggested it had been altered, mainly around Charlotte’s arm.

Kate Middleton with her three children, Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram

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It was the first official photo of Kate (42) after abdominal surgery on January 16.

The princess has not been officially seen in public since Christmas, but last week she was unofficially photographed in a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton.

Kate is usually the one who takes the family photos, but for the first time the picture was taken by William (41). It was taken in Windsor, where the family lives, last week.

Kate Middleton and Prince William.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

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An AP spokesperson released a statement to The Telegraph saying: “The photograph shows an inconsistency in the position of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.”

Later on Monday, William will appear at Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day service. His father King Charles, who will not be at the annual service due to ongoing cancer treatment, will be represented by his wife Queen Camilla.

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Source: HIS Education