Internet backs Kate Middleton after her edited family photo attracts 'kill notices' from media agencies

LONDON, ENGLAND: Kate Middleton has issued an apology after an official photograph was retracted by several international news agencies due to concerns over potential manipulation.

Kate Middleton accepts she had experimented with the photograph 

Middleton expressed regret for any confusion that arose following her experiment with photo editing, which led to increased scrutiny of Kensington Palace and further speculation regarding her recent absence from the public eye.

The Princess wrote on X, “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...”

The photo showed Middleton seated in a chair surrounded by her smiling three children.

The caption wrote, “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” she said crediting the image to Prince Williams.

Kate Middleton's manipulated photo graced the front pages 

The image in question, intended to celebrate Mother’s Day in the UK, marked the first official photo of the Princess since her abdominal surgery in January.

Shortly after its release by Kensington Palace, “kill notices” were distributed by four major photo agencies, signaling their apprehension that the photo had been altered.

By Sunday, March 10, evening, the controversy had escalated when leading photo agencies advised their clients to cease using the image, which had already graced the front pages of numerous British newspapers and global news websites.

The Associated Press remarked upon a closer inspection that the image seemed to have been manipulated by the source.

Similarly, Agence France-Presse retracted the photo citing an editorial issue, stating in a client memo, “It has come to light that this handout photo… issued by Kensington Palace today of the Princess of Wales and her children had been altered and therefore it was withdrawn from AFP systems.”

PA Images and Getty Images followed suit, issuing their own “kill notices” for the photo according to CNN. 

Internet reacts to Kate Middleton's apology 

There were mixed reactions over Middleton's apology some suggesting the Palace threw her under the bus while others stated she didn't need to apologize at all. 

"The palace just threw her right under the bus huh? Zero chance this is true," an Internet user wrote. "I thought William took the photo? one questioned. 

"Everyone edits photos. You don’t need to apologize. The photo was wonderful. It was a beautiful Mother’s Day greeting. Sending love from the US," one more X user commented on the post. 

"It's sad that they have made you take the fall for this. This is just bizarre," wrote one. Another added, "This has been blown out of all proportion, a complete non story made huge by the usual suspects."

Another user added, "No apologies needed. Your fans knew. The witch hunt came from a certain camp. We have your back." 

One was curious saying, "Would love to know what the original picture looked like."

"No need at all for apologies." A user wrote, "Hope you had a lovely day yourself with the children. Get well soon!."

A British Parliamentary candidate, Jim Ferguson wrote in part, "Its odd to say the least. Release the original if there is nothing to hide and put a stop to the speculation."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.