Originally appeared on E! Online
The Kate Middleton conspiracy theories are being taken apart brick by brick.
The Princess of Walesāwho has been recovering from abdominal surgery since Januaryājoined husband Prince William for a car ride on March 11, when the couple were photographed in the backseat of a Range Rover leaving Windsor Castle.
However, after Kate recently confessed to digitally editing a different photo of herself, social media users have been questioning if the royals' car picture could also be Photoshopped. Some alleged the bricks "do not match" in the background, while others said her hairstyle looked similar to her appearance at the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in 2016, when she wore a black pillbox hat.
But amid the speculation, Goff Photosāthe agency that captured William and Kate in the Range Roverātold E! News that the pics "have been cropped and lightened" but "nothing has been doctored."
In January, Kensington Palace announced Kate had been hospitalized for a pre-planned surgery. Since then, the 42-year-old has been taking time out of the spotlight to recover, only returning to social media on March 10 in honor of Mother's Day in the U.K.
Kate Middleton & Prince William's Best Moments
More from E! Online
For the occasion, she posted a photo of herself with her kids Prince George , 10, Princess Charlotte , 8, and Prince Louis , 5, posing on an outdoor patio. But after photo agencies pulled the image for being "manipulated," Kate admitted in a social media statement that she had altered the photo.
"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," read a message that Kensington Palace posted on X . "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."
GoffPhotos.com
Although concern grows for Kate, her team has assured the public that she's doing "well."
"Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates," a spokesperson for Kate told E! News Feb. 29. "That guidance stands."
Meanwhile, William's rep shared that the Princes of Wales is not paying attention to any online rumors about his wife's health.
"His focus is on his work," his spokesperson told People March 6, "and not on social media."
Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Read on to see more of Kate's public outings over the years.
Royal in Red For a Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace in December 2022, the Princess of Wales styled her sparkly Jenny Packham gown with several regal accessories, including Queen Elizabeth II 's Royal Family Order badge, the sash and star of the Royal Victorian Order, diamond frame earrings, a diamond Art Deco brooch and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother 's famed Lotus Flower Tiara.
Princess of Style Shortly after succeeding the Princess of Wales title, Kate wore this stunning Jenny Packham gown with Queen Mary 's Lover's Knot tiara to a state dinner in 2022.
Vision in White There's nothing more refreshing than seeing a royal who isn't afraid to wear an item on numerous occasions. The royal last wore this Barbara Casasola number at the 2016 for the Art Fund awards.
Elegance at Work Kate took the army's salute in a lovely Catherine Walker coat dress, which she paired with matching clutch and shoes.
Flaunt It Kate showed the Americans how it is done in a white gown by Alexander McQueen, the same designer who created her iconic wedding dress.
Tea Party Ready When in the presence of the Queen it is pretty important to wear your Sunday finest. For the occasion, the Princess of Wales sported a pink coat dress by Alexander McQueen and a fascinator by Juliette Botterill.
Boho Chic For the Chelsea Flower Show, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a whimsical dress from British label Erdem.
Sophisticated Suits Kate wore the matching blazer and skirt combo to The Royal Foundation's Mental Health in Education conference.
Gorgeous Gowns The royal stunned in a white McQueen gown for the 2019 BAFTA Awards.
Going Green Kate turned heads in this Eponine London dress for Children's Mental Health Week.
Cute and Casual The royal looked fabulous in a tweed jacket and boots at Islington Community Garden.
Pretty in Plaid Kate looked gorgeous in a Q by McQueen green and blue tartan coat dress in Dundee, Scotland.
Bold and Beautiful The royal isn't afraid to rock a bold shade, like this pretty magenta she wore to The Royal Opera House.
Beautiful in Blue Kate was all smiles as she watched a flypast to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force.
Elegant in Emerald The mother of three stunned in this number for the Family Action Charity.
Royal Red Next to Meghan Markle 's royal blues, the Duchess of Cambridge's monochromatic ensemble makes a major impact.
Teal Time Kate took a stroll with Prince William in a coat dress, matching hat and black pumps.
Festive and Chic Kate have us major holiday fashion inspo in this green and white L.K. Bennett polka dot dress paired with a khaki clutch and matching heels for a visit to Evelina London Children's Hospital.
Cinderella Story The princess looked like a real-life Cinderella at a diplomatic reception in this sparkly Jenny Packham gown that featured sheer cap sleeves and clusters of sequins.
Fabulous Flare For an official visit to RAF Akrotiri, Kate rocked a business-casual look that included a forest green Smythe blazer paired with navy trousers and a white shirt.
Pleasant in Plaid Kate hosted a holiday party in this festive plaid Emilia Wickstead skirt paired with a black Brora cardigan and slouchy black high-heel boots.
Burgundy Beauty The royal visitsed UCL Developmental Neuroscience Lab at UCL London in a burgundy Paule Ka blazer and skirt paired with a black turtleneck, tights and heels.
Buttoned and Belted Kate stunned in a chic blue coat dress that featured a belted waist, button detailing and a collar paired with matching navy pumps and a black clutch to open the McLaren Automotive's new Composites Technology Centre.
Velvet Trim Kate attended the Remembrance Day service in a dark green coat with button detailing and a velvet trim collar, cuffs and pockets, and paired it with a fuzzy headband and carried a black clutch.
Get the latest tea from inside the palace walls. Sign up for Royal Recap!
View comments