Kate Middleton car picture has ‘not been doctored’, says the photographer, as he blasts wild theories snap is fake
PRINCESS Kate relieved fans when she was spotted with Prince William on Monday in one of her only public sightings since her surgery.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were snapped leaving Windsor Castle in a Land Rover – but now the photographer has been forced to confirm the image has “not been doctored”.
This was on the back of Kate issuing an apology and admitting to editing her Mother’s Day photo that was released on Sunday.
Five large news agencies – AP, Getty Images, Reuters, AFP and PA – all withdrew the snap over fears it had been “edited at the source”.
And now photo agency Goff Photos who distributed the car photo on Monday have defended the integrity of their image.
They claimed to E! that the picture was “cropped and lightened” but “nothing has been doctored.”
Photographer Jim Bennett added to People: “We don’t change our photos in Photoshop other than adjusting the light levels if necessary.
“Car shots are unpredictable at the best of times and with some reflection on the glass it can be difficult.”
In the image, Kate gazed out of her backseat window and appeared to have her hair tied back in a bun.
The Princess of Wales was on her way to a private appointment in London and didn’t join William at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey later that day.
Kate was first pictured since her January “planned abdominal surgery” on March 4, when she was in the passenger seat of a car with her mum Carole.
In an image, which The Sun decided not to publish, the mum-of-three was wearing dark sunglasses and appeared to be smiling slightly.
Kensington Palace posted the heartwarming snap of Kate and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on Sunday – which fans were quick to point out 12 apparent clues it had been edited.
Royal fans had been thrilled to see Kate following weeks of conspiracy theories about the status of her health.
However, Kate released a statement about her attempt to amend the edited photo, and the “confusion” it’s caused.
Car shots are unpredictable at the best of times and with some reflection on the glass it can be difficult
Photographer Jim Bennett
She said in a statement: “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.”
Kensington Palace has said previously Kate is unlikely to return to public duties until after 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.
Timeline of Royal health battles
HERE is a date-by-date rundown of the health battles to have struck the Royals this year.
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery.
JAN 17: It is announced that the King is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside.
JAN 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen.
JAN 21: It is announced Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a skin cancer.
JAN 23: Kate’s hospital stay passes one week. JAN 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment.
JAN 29: The King is discharged from hospital. Kate leaves the same day.
JAN 31: Queen Camilla announces that the King is “getting on, doing his best”.
FEBRUARY 5: Buckingham Palace announces the King has cancer, but not of the prostate, and will not carry out public-facing duties.
FEB 18: The King appears in good spirits as he attends a Sunday church service in the grounds of Sandringham.
FEB 23: The King filmed crying and chuckling while opening some of the 7,000 cards from well-wishers.
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health.
MARCH 4: Kate Middleton pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate