Kate Middleton Apologizes for ‘Confusion’ Over Controversial Family Photograph

Kate Middleton is breaking her silence after prominent photo agencies like The Associated Press and Reuters withdrew a family photo of the Princess of Wales, citing claims of manipulation.

In a post shared on social media Monday, Middleton claimed she edited the photo herself. “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.”

Middleton nor the palace commented specifically on which parts of the photo were edited, though much of the attention from fans and critics focused on Princess Charlotte’s left hand.

The news comes amid ongoing speculation and conspiracies about the health and well-being of the Princess of Wales, who has not been seen in public since she underwent abdominal surgery in January. The snapshot, taken by Prince William and featuring Middleton with her arms around her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, was shared to offer gratitude for the support she’s received since her surgery and to reassure people about her ongoing recovery. It was the first photo of Middleton shared since January. At the time, Kensington Palace told CNN that the picture was taken earlier this week in Windsor.

But just hours after it was posted, the AP issued a “kill notification,” writing in an alert to journalists that after “closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image. Please remove it from all platforms, including social, where it may still be visible.”

Middleton stepped back from her royal duties since her January procedure, the details of which have still not been fully revealed; Kensington Palace had previously said the abdominal surgery was not cancer-related. She is expected to return to public duties around Easter.

The Princess of Wales has reportedly spent the past few months recovering at home, but that didn’t stop the social media rumor mill from churning out theories about Middleton’s absence, including that she was sequestered with The Masked Singer or Traitors, she was in costume at the ill-fated Willy Wonka live experience, or that she and Prince William are in the process of divorcing.

The conspiracies became so prevalent and outlandish that Kensington Palace took the uncharacteristic step of issuing a statement to stop the gossip. “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates,” a representative for the royal said. “That guidance stands.”