After the rumor spread Kate Middletonit is apparently “Manipulated” portrait of Mother’s Day with her three children, online sleuths caused controversy over another photo of the 42-year-old Princess of Wales.
On Monday, Kate and her husband, Prince Williamthey were spotted in a car together in Windsor, England. It was Kate’s second public outing since her planned abdominal surgery, during which a royal source told ET that the Princess of Wales was on her way to a private meeting.
Kate was seen by the first time since his hospitalization in January earlier this month. In a photo taken a week ago, she was shown wearing sunglasses while riding in a black SUV driven by her mother, Carole Middleton. An eyewitness told ET at the time that Kate and her mother were seen in their vehicle around 9 a.m. on the outskirts of London. “The princess was discreet, looking out the window while her mother paid attention to the road,” said the eyewitness.
Unlike that occasion, the photo of Kate and William sparked speculation of another photo manipulation when online detectives noticed the difference in the color of the brick wall behind the car.
However, the photo agency that took the photo of William and Kate in their car told ET that although the “image was cropped and brightened, nothing was tampered with.”
Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Kate’s apparently doctored portrait on Mother’s Day It’s not getting any clearer.
ET has learned that Kensington Palace has no plans to re-release the original, unedited portrait of the Princess of Wales and her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, which was released in Sunday for British Mother’s Day. .
The palace originally claimed the image was taken by William in Windsor, England, last week, but after several media outlets, including the Associated Press, pulled the image claiming it was “rigged”, Kate released a statement on social media admitting that the image was edited.
“Like many amateur photographers, I occasionally experiment with editing,” Kate wrote in a message on Monday. “I want to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a happy Mother’s Day. C.”
Kate is known for taking many official family portraits, but the confusion over the image has amplified the growing rumors surrounding her whereabouts.
Speculation surrounding her health has increased in recent months after the mother of three underwent “planned abdominal surgery” in January. The palace did not reveal exactly what the surgery involved, but noted that the princess would only return to royal duties after the Easter holiday.
Amid the speculation, William’s spokesperson addressed the conspiracy theories in a statement to People. “His focus is on work and not on social media,” the spokesperson told the channel.
However, after speculation continued to circulate, the palace released a statement reiterating his comments about his condition.
“Two days ago we reported that the Princess of Wales continues to be well,” the statement read. “As we have been clear since our initial statement in January, we will not provide ongoing commentary or daily updates.”
Additionally, William’s father, King Charles III, is facing his own health issues after being diagnosed with cancer.
Last week was the first time all four royals took a break, as King Charles III’s duties were reduced to cancer treatment and Queen Camilla cleared his calendar of royal duties after taking on extra responsibilities following her husband’s health battle.
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