The past few weeks have been anything but easy for the Princess of Wales, and matters reached fever pitch this weekend after she admitted to editing a family photograph.
Plagued by conspiracy theories about her surgery at the start of the year, it is clear that the Prince and Princess of Wales intended to quash the speculation about her whereabouts. However, recent events have done anything but.
A heartwarming family photograph was released to mark Mother’s Day, of Kate with her arms around her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five. It marked the future Queen’s first image since she underwent surgery in January.
But questions were soon raised about the image’s authenticity as several photographic agencies withdrew the picture after discovering it had been altered.
Kate later apologised for editing the official portrait after the whole sorry saga was blown completely out of proportion.
Kate, whose outfits, makeup and hair is pored over at every royal engagement or outing, knew that every detail of the image of her first snap post-surgery would be heavily scrutinised.
She wanted to ensure her picture-perfect image was maintained, just as most of us carefully tweak an Instagram post before sharing snaps with our friends and family.
A fuss about nothing springs to mind. There is nothing sinister at play, just a woman wanting to look her best in her first official portrait after surgery.
Kate is clearly left feeling embarrassed at her amateurish editing skills and sorry that what was meant to be a happy, reassuring photo has backfired so spectacularly. She’s apologised and it’s time to move on.
We must remember that Kate wasn’t brought up by the royal system and has adapted perfectly to her role, seamlessly transitioning from Home Counties girl to future Queen.
Over the past decade she’s stepped up to the plate and won the hearts and minds of the public across the globe with her dedication to the Royal Family.
The issue with the image is not a question of credibility, it’s one of respect. Kate wants to keep her surgery and recovery private and we must give her the space to do so.
Conspiracy theories and vicious accusations about a poorly edited photo help no one, so it’s time the public accept the simple truth: the Princess of Wales is recovering away from the public and is putting her family and privacy first.
There’s nothing more to it.
