Princess Kate issues apology after photo confusion as she admits she ‘experiments with editing’
PRINCESS Kate has issued an apology after confusion over her Mother’s Day photo – admitting she “experiments with editing”.
The heartwarming snap of Kate beaming with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, was shared on Sunday.
While many were thrilled to see the Princess of Wales looking well following her abdominal surgery two months ago, at least four “editing fails” could be seen.
The image, which was put out by Kensington Palace, was claimed to have been digitally altered – with photo agencies forced to order a “kill notice” on the pic.
Five large news agencies – AP, Getty Images, Reuters, AFP and PA – all withdrew the snap over fears it had been ‘edited at the source’.
In a statement today, the Princess of Wales has since apologised for the picture’s amendments – admitting she caused “confusion” with her edits.
Kate said: “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 sweet Mother’s Day picture was shared by Kensington Palace after weeks of speculation surrounding Kate’s health – as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
The original X post now has a warning on it that reads: “Major news agencies, including the Associated Press, Getty Images, and Reuters, note inconsistencies that suggest digital alteration by Kensington Palace.”
The warning from Twitter appeared in response to a flood of comments from users pointing out the editing fails.
Fans questioned why Kate wasn’t wearing her wedding ring and noticed that her other hand was blurry.
Others said Charlotte’s cardigan sleeve seemed to disappear and her skirt was fuzzy.
Fans also claimed there appeared to be an odd cut in the skirting board.
In a colour corrected and lightened version of the image, Kate’s zip appears not to line up.
Meanwhile, others reckoned the colour of the tree’s leaves are wrong for this time of year.
The Palace had said the photo was snapped by Prince William last week, and was the first time Kate had posted online in months.
She captioned the sweet pic: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.
“Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C.”
Photo ‘editing’ backlash comes as:
- Princess Kate apologises for “confusion” caused by inconsistencies in family image
- Piers Morgan calls for the Palace to share the unedited photo to quell internet sleuths
- Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith gives his verdict on Mother’s Day picture as he speaks out after CBB eviction
- Photo agencies release ‘kill notice’ on Princess Kate’s Mother’s Day picture
- Twitter’s warning over Princess Kate photo inconsistencies
- King Charles releases video message saying he’ll ‘continue to serve you, to the best of my ability’ amid cancer battle
Last night international picture agencies Reuters, AP, Getty and AFP issued “mandatory kill” warnings for the family photo.
It is standard practice for picture agencies to withdraw edited images.
In its “kill notice”, AP said: “At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image.”
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat was quizzed on the photo this morning and said he thought it was “important that we record what we put out is honest and that we record situations accurately”.
He told Times Radio: “You wouldn’t expect me to comment on any photos, particularly not on Mother’s Day, when I think many of us were snapping away and slightly improving photographs that we took of our mothers, but mostly of our kids who were sort of wriggling around.
“So I’m not going to be judging on that.
“But I think it is important that we record what we put out is honest and that we record situations accurately.
“So I’m sure that like any family, there’s a few moments that you could get better.”
Asked if his department would release a photo that had been doctored, he said: “We’re always very careful about what we put out. But you’re luring me down a path here.
“I’m not going down there because it’s a family photo and it’s Mother’s Day.”
It comes as rumours about Kate’s health were sparked after William missed a memorial service two weeks ago.
He had been expected to perform a reading, but pulled out due to a “personal matter”.
Why were 'kill notices' issued?
News agencies ordered a “kill notice” on the picture late Sunday night.
The removal orders were sent after “manipulation” on the image was discovered.
AP’s order said the reason for killing the story was: “At closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image.”
The order then directs those who have used the photo to remove it from all platforms, including social.
Agence France-Press ordered the “mandatory kill” due to an “editorial issue” and directed that the image may no longer be used.
Reuters said the photo “has been withdrawn following a post publication review.”
Getty Images said: “For editorial reasons, please remove the following image(s) from your system and do not use in any manner.”
Getty said its picture desk “identified a problematic image” provided by the palace and removed it from its site “in accordance with our editorial policy.”
PA said: “Like other news agencies, PA Media issued the handout image provided by Kensington Palace of the Princess of Wales and her children in good faith yesterday.
“We became aware of concerns about the image and we carried a report about it last night, and made clear that we were seeking urgent clarification about the image from Kensington Palace.
“In the absence of that clarification, we are killing the image from our picture service.”
Each of the news agencies have their own editorial guidelines which govern how they treat images.
AP says that pictures “must always tell the truth” and that it does not alter or manipulate the content of a photograph in any way.
Its guidelines say: “The content of a photograph must not be altered in PhotoShop or by any other means. No element should be digitally added to or subtracted from any photograph.”
However, AP says minor adjustments are allowed, they include cropping, colour adjustments, and light adjustments.
Kate had only been spotted once since her surgery, in the passenger seat of a black Audi as mum Carole, 69, drove her near Windsor Castle.
She was wearing sunglasses and appeared to be smiling slightly.
It followed her “planned major abdominal surgery” in January at the London clinic.
The central London private hospital also treated The King while he underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Kensington Palace said previously Kate was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
The statement read: “The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith has also spoken about her recovery on Celebrity Big Brother.
He said: “I spoke to her mum, my sister, she’s getting the best care in the world.
“And all the family’s done is put the wagons round and look after family first before anything else.
“They put a statement out and just said, ‘She’s taking some time to [recuperate] and will see you in Easter’.”
If the princess recovers according to plans, her first engagement back could be at the family service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on Easter Sunday, March 31.
It comes after confusion over whether the royal would be making an appearance while reviewing a dress rehearsal at Horse Guards Parade for the Trooping of the Colour on June 8.