The internet is in a tailspin after Kate Middleton posted a Mother’s Day photo to her socials. A new report claims that someone altered the image of the Princess of Wales with her three children and is recalling it.
Why does the internet care about the Photoshop claims? Well, it has to do with the fact that no one has seen Middleton in a few months.
Kate Middleton Has Been Out of the Public Eye for Months
Kate Middleton’s absence from public life since Christmas fueled speculation, which then intensified after the release of the first official photo featuring the Princess following her surgery. The caption with the photo read: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.”
Media agencies, including the Associated Press, pulled the photo from circulation after noticing it appeared to be manipulated.
Everyone Is Noticing the “Inconsistencies” With the Image
After AP took the photo down, a spokesperson from the news agency stated, “The photo shows an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand,” (via The Telegraph).
Others have noted similar “inconsistencies,” including the alignment of the sweater pattern on Prince Louis’ shoulder, and the jagged white line in the background near his knee.
Kate Middleton Apologized for the Photoshopped Image
As the internet delved into a rabbit hole dissecting the controversy surrounding the photo, Middleton publicly addressed the image on her social media. On Monday, Middleton wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.”
Middleton continued: “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.”
The Palace Says There’s No Need to Make a Big Deal Out of the Photo
While Middleton made a statement about the photo, the rest of the royal family, including her husband Prince William, have not made any comments on the controversy. A palace insider is trying to downplay the PR crises, telling People that the situation is a “bump in the road, it’s not an earthquake.”
“[Middleton] has apologized and graciously so,” the insider says. “She has done something that 99 percent of us do—and we don’t have the scrutiny that they do.”
The Photo Taken May Have Been Taken Last November
Social media users were quick to voice their thoughts on the edited photo, even managing to locate the potentially original image or images used in its creation. One user posted a TikTok on X, breaking down the Photoshop speculations surrounding the infamous image.
The video asserts that it captured the image in November 2023, highlighting the attire worn in a charity video released by the royal family.
What Happen to Kate Middleton?
While the use of Photoshop in the image is apparent, it is the conspiracy theories surrounding Middleton’s absence that are causing a stir on the internet. Despite Middleton having undergone abdominal surgery, some speculate that she was placed in an induced coma.
Some believe Middleton was waiting for a bad haircut to grow out, recovering from plastic surgery, or playing the Unknown in the viral Willy Wonka experience.
Why Are People Concerned About Kate Middleton?
While most conspiracy theories are easy to brush off, the real concern lies in Middleton’s apparent disappearance. Officially, Middleton was reported to be in the hospital for a planned abdominal surgery, leading the palace to postpone her upcoming engagements.
Onlookers questioned how well-planned the surgery was, given that all of Middleton’s engagements were postponed.
Kate Middleton’s Suspicious Surgery
After it was announced that Middleton would need 14 days to recover, speculations only intensified. However, her condition remained a mystery, even as King Charles was fully transparent about his failing health.
William was photographed visiting the hospital, but the couple’s children did not visit Middleton at all. No one saw Middleton enter or leave the hospital or her home.
Feeling the Lack of Kate Middleton
The U.K. press, known for its ruthlessness toward all royals, wouldn’t hesitate to publish photos, even if someone were recovering from a medical procedure.
The media has repeatedly shown Catherine Middleton looking fresh-faced with makeup, styled hair, and a cheerful smile within 24 hours of giving birth, even during challenging deliveries. So, why is the palace keeping the Princess of Wales so far out of the public eye that they resorted to releasing a seemingly manipulated photo of her?
A Sinister Feeling Is Building
“You’re telling me that Kate Middleton—the same woman who posed outside the hospital like a freaking supermodel mere hours after giving birth—suddenly requires months of recovery before showing her face?” posted one user on X.
The user continued: “And the British press now magically respects privacy? This feels… sinister.”
Where Is Kate Middleton?
The Photoshop image of Middleton and her children has taken her disappearance from odd to a near scandal. While the palace has reassured the public that Middleton will appear during Easter, the public is waiting with bated breath to know what is going on.
While one blurry car photo of Middleton with William suggests she is still present, whatever is unfolding behind the scenes could potentially lead to another massive scandal for the palace.
