After much speculation regarding the whereabouts of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales and future Queen of England, the Royal Family released an image today that has drawn significant attention for its apparent editing. The extent of the alterations was so glaring that the Associated Press and Reuters issued rare kill notifications for it.
The image, intended perhaps to reassure the public about Middleton’s well-being, has instead sparked controversy due to its noticeable flaws.
At first glance, the photo appears unsettling. The subjects sport exaggerated smiles reminiscent of a Snapchat filter, and Middleton’s posture seems awkward, leading to speculation about potential editing. Upon closer inspection, anomalies become apparent, resembling amateurish Photoshop work.
The image remains posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram page, allowing viewers to scrutinize it for themselves. However, screenshots have surfaced highlighting areas where edits are particularly evident, such as a skirt placed over a sweater and shadows that appear unnaturally dense.
The timing of the image’s release, coinciding with Mother’s Day in the UK, only adds fuel to the speculation surrounding Middleton’s prolonged absence from public view. The Royal Family’s reluctance to address her health issues has fueled conspiracy theories, and this poorly edited image only serves to exacerbate the situation.
In the world of the British monarchy, where image is paramount, such missteps are rare but significant. The importance of managing public perception, as highlighted in Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare,” underscores the pressure faced by the royal family to maintain a flawless image.
While it’s possible that the editing was simply an attempt to create a seamless composite from multiple photos, the clumsy execution, particularly evident in details like the hands, raises doubts about the true intention behind the image’s release.
