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NY Post

Kate Middleton’s Photoshop fail fiasco is a ‘cause for concern’: ‘Everybody is worried about her’

Nika Shakhnazarova
3 min read
Kate Middleton's Photoshop fail fiasco is a 'cause for concern': 'Everybody is worried about her'
Kate Middleton's Photoshop fail fiasco is a 'cause for concern': 'Everybody is worried about her'
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Kate Middleton’s photo-editing fiasco has accidentally done more harm than good in silencing mass speculation about her well-being, according to a former royal butler.

The Princess of Wales, 42, who has been recovering from abdominal surgery behind closed doors, was forced to issue an apology after releasing a doctored family photo for UK’s Mother’s Day on Sunday.

But with mounting chatter about the royal’s post-surgery recovery, the image’s release has ended up causing concerns, says King Charles’ former butler Grant Harrold.

Kate Middleton’s photo-editing fiasco has accidentally done more harm than good in terms of silencing speculation about her well-being, according to a former royal butler. Getty Images
Kate Middleton’s photo-editing fiasco has accidentally done more harm than good in terms of silencing speculation about her well-being, according to a former royal butler. Getty Images

“Of course, it does cause concern because everybody is over-analyzing it at the moment, and everybody is worried about her and is looking to see for any kind of signs,” Harrold, who worked as the monarch’s butler for seven years when he was the Prince of Wales, exclusively told The Post.

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“If it hadn’t been for her taking this time out, the photo editing really wouldn’t have been much of a story,” Harrold said.

“It would’ve been a case of simply acknowledging that they’ve edited the photo a bit and then it would be over and done with,” the royal expert added.

Just seconds after the image was released on social media, eagle-eyed followers noticed a myriad of editing mishaps in the photo of Middleton with her three children.

The widespread speculation prompted conspiracy theorists to come out of the woodwork, with claims being made not only about Middleton’s health, but also her whereabouts.

The Princess of Wales, 42, was forced to issue an apology after releasing a doctored family photo for UK’s Mother’s Day on Sunday. The Prince and Princess of Wales
The Princess of Wales, 42, was forced to issue an apology after releasing a doctored family photo for UK’s Mother’s Day on Sunday. The Prince and Princess of Wales

“I think because some people are convinced there is something going on behind the scenes, something as little as editing a photo has become a big thing,” Harrold said of the rumor mill surrounding the mom of three.

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“I’m hoping that as she returns to duties and as things calm down, if there is any future editing, people won’t analyze it to the extent they have done just now.”

“She’s recovering, she’s taking time out and she’s done this family photograph, and for whatever reason, she’s obviously wanted to edit some of it, and I suppose that is a personal choice,” Harrold added.

The speculation surrounding Middleton’s health prompted conspiracy theorists to come out of the woodwork. AFP via Getty Images
The speculation surrounding Middleton’s health prompted conspiracy theorists to come out of the woodwork. AFP via Getty Images

After the photo’s retouching seemingly exacerbated whispers about her health, the royal returned to social media to set the record straight on what had happened.

“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” she wrote on X in the wake of the controversy. “I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused.”

The mom of three has been recovering from abdominal surgery behind closed doors since January. Anadolu via Getty Images
The mom of three has been recovering from abdominal surgery behind closed doors since January. Anadolu via Getty Images

The royal tweeted her apologies after leading photo agencies — including Reuters, the Associated Press, Getty and Agence France-Presse — all yanked the image over numerous signs it had been altered.

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On Monday, the princess was spotted leaving Windsor Castle with her husband, Prince William, just hours after her photo-related clarification.

It was her first public appearance since her January surgery. Middleton was last seen in an official capacity on Christmas Day while attending church in Sandringham, England.

The princess is not expected to return to her public duties until after Easter, which falls on March 31, 2024.

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