Controversy Surrounding Edited Photo of Kate Middleton Raises Questions and Speculation

After much anticipation surrounding Kate Middleton’s whereabouts, the Royal Family finally unveiled an image on Sunday. However, it was met with widespread speculation due to apparent editing. The Associated Press and Reuters even issued unusual kill notifications for it.

The editing was so glaringly obvious that rather than reassuring the public, the image sparked even more questions. It backfired dramatically.

The controversy surrounding the photo escalated so much that by Monday morning, the editor had to issue a public apology to the official Prince and Princess of Wales account.

The “C” signature on the edited photo signifies Catherine, Princess of Wales, commonly known as Kate Middleton. It’s an unexpected twist for a family known for their carefully crafted public image.

At first glance, the photo is unsettling. The smiles seem almost unrealistically bright, reminiscent of a Snapchat filter. Middleton appears seated, likely due to an undisclosed abdominal procedure in January, but something about the perspective feels off. Are her arms unnaturally elongated? The longer you look, the more it feels like you’re scrutinizing a picture puzzle in a waiting room magazine.

Despite the criticisms, the image remains posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram page. But screenshots circulating online highlight areas that suggest amateurish editing, particularly noticeable in the heavy-handed use of the Heal tool in Photoshop.

This photo release comes months after Middleton’s disappearance from public view, fueling speculation about her health and absence. The Royal Family’s reluctance to provide clear explanations has only fueled conspiracy theories. Dropping such a clearly edited image on Mother’s Day in the UK only adds fuel to the fire.

For the British monarchy, maintaining a polished image is paramount, as Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” illuminates. In it, he reveals how he was used as a distraction by the British tabloids to deflect from potentially damaging stories about his father, King Charles, or his brother, Prince William. Image management has been crucial for the royals since Queen Elizabeth’s televised coronation. Being photographed is a significant aspect of their duties.

The palace has a close relationship with the British press, evident in the Royal Rota system for media coverage. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, opted out of the Royal Rota as part of their withdrawal from royal duties. Diana Spencer, Middleton’s mother-in-law, was adept at managing the press, even securing a divorce through a groundbreaking interview with Martin Bashir.

Before Middleton’s acknowledgment, the photo already raised eyebrows. While it’s possible it was a poorly executed attempt to combine multiple photos for the best expressions, the clumsiness of the editing, particularly around the hands, suggests a deliberate effort to keep attention on Middleton’s absence.