Major Foreign Media Simultaneously Cancel Photo Publication
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, who had not appeared since her surgery last January and was surrounded by various conspiracy theories, is now embroiled in controversy over claims that even the recent photo of her first public appearance in two months was manipulated.
After undergoing abdominal surgery in January and not appearing for two months, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, shared a family photo on social media on the 10th (local time), marking her return after two months. [Image source: Screenshot from Prince William and Duchess Catherine's Instagram]
On the 10th (local time), major foreign media outlets such as Reuters and AP reported that there were suspicions that the photo of the Duchess, which was previously released on the official X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts of Prince William and the Duchess, was manipulated, leading to the cancellation of the photo's publication. The foreign media explained, "The photo provided by Kensington Palace was initially published, but after a more detailed review, it appears that the image was manipulated in a way that does not meet photographic standards at the original stage," adding, "The alignment of Princess Charlotte's left hand in the photo seems inconsistent." Another foreign media outlet also stated, "It has been revealed that the photo published by Kensington Palace was later altered, so it will be deleted," and some media informed their clients with notices saying, "If you have posted the image online or planned to include it in print, please cancel and permanently delete it from your system."
The photo, showing the Duchess smiling with her three children?eldest Prince George (10), second Princess Charlotte (8), and youngest Prince Louis (5)?was the first official photo released in over two months since the Duchess underwent abdominal surgery on January 16 and disappeared from public appearances. Along with the photo, there was a message believed to be written by the Duchess herself, saying, "Thank you for the warm attention and continuous support over the past two months. Wishing everyone a happy Mother's Day." Kensington Palace stated that the photo was taken by Prince William earlier this week and sought to quell rumors surrounding the Duchess's condition. However, suspicions about photo manipulation intensified due to unnatural alignment of Princess Charlotte's left hand, the Duchess not wearing her wedding ring, and the background in the photo appearing to be autumn rather than spring. Foreign media criticized Kensington Palace for refusing to respond to the manipulation allegations, saying that the royal family's reaction "makes the situation even more bizarre."
Earlier, Kensington Palace announced that the Duchess was recovering from surgery and would not return to work until before Easter (March 31). Although the specific illness was not disclosed, the royal family stated it was not related to cancer. However, since the Duchess did not release any photos of her discharge or convalescence and completely disappeared for two months, rumors spread on social media suggesting that her condition was serious. The Duchess, who had appeared soon after childbirth, ceased all external activities after surgery, leading to unverified conspiracy theories and reports. A popular Spanish news program even reported, citing an anonymous royal source, that the Duchess had been in a coma after surgery. The British royal family angrily denied this as "completely fabricated." Meanwhile, Prince William also halted public activities for three weeks, and the British Army announced that the Duchess would attend an event in early June this year but later deleted the announcement, fueling ongoing suspicions.
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