Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has admitted to digitally editing the now controversial Mother's Day family photo.
(Photo : Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty Images)
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Princess apologized for the confusion the whole situation has caused, claiming she "do occasionally experiment with editing."
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 Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 11, 2024
Several news outlets earlier issued a "Kill Notification" on the photograph from their archives after determining the picture to be "manipulated."
As of writing, Associated Press, Reuters, The New York Times, Getty Images, and several notable media outlets have already pulled the picture from their archives.
The order came amidst speculations and rumors regarding Middleton's health after undergoing a "planned abdominal surgery."
Aside from the Mother's Day photograph, the Princess has yet to appear in public since Christmas.
Also Read: Kate Middleton's Pic Removed from News Outlets Over Alleged Image Manipulation
Talks of AI Manipulation on the Mother's Day Photograph
Another concern for many on the "manipulated" photos was the possibility of Middleton or someone from Kensington Palace using AI technology to edit the images.
Several users online have noticed inconsistencies in the picture, including contrasting pixel qualities, across the picture.
TikTok user @shotandforgot explained how multiple parts of the image have indications that an AI remove-and-fill toll has been used.
@shotandforgot What’s really going on with Kate Middleton? #katemiddleton #photography #art #mystery #photoshop ♬ original sound - Shot & Forgot
It is worth noting, however, that Prince Lewis, Middleton's youngest son, has been pictured before twisting his fingers on several occasions.
According to PA Media, the official distributor of images from Kensington Palace, the photo was taken by Prince William himself.
The Princess did not disclose whether she used AI technology to alter the image.
Related Article: Navigating the Deepfake Landscape: Tips for Recognizing Manipulated Content
Kate Middleton's Family Photo Causes a Streisand Effect
If there was one thing true about the picture it is that the controversy has sparked a Streisand Effect on another potential drama within the most famous royal family.
The Streisand Effect, aptly named after American singer and actress Barbara Streisand, is the phenomenon referred to when attempts to conceal or cover up information have further caused more people to be involved.
In the case of the Prince and Princess of Wales, only people closely following the Royal Family were, at first, covering the rumors about Middleton.
The ensuing debacle has only allowed more people to be curious about the issue and the attention on the drama has become an international sensation.
As of writing, the Royal Family has yet to address allegations towards Prince William or Princess Kate.
