Princess Kate Middleton issued a public statement after speculation arose that her family’s Mother’s Day portrait was manipulated.
“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” read an X post shared via the official Prince and Princess of Wales account on Monday, March 11. “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.”
The message was signed with a “C” for Catherine.
Kate’s statement came one day after multiple news outlets were reportedly notified to remove the Mother’s Day photo, which was shared by Prince William and his wife on Sunday, March 10. The portrait featured Kate, 42, sitting with her and William’s three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
Biggest Royal Family Scandals Through the Years
The royals celebrated their first Mother’s Day following Kate’s abdominal surgery, which she underwent in January. “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” read the caption of the upload. “Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”
According to the caption, the photo was taken by William, 41, earlier this year. (Kate’s wedding ring was noticeably absent from her left hand.)
Hours after the portrait was shared online, it was reported that several international news agencies — including the Associated Press — refused to distribute the photo, claiming “the source has manipulated the image.” Royal reporter Omid Scobie shared a screenshot of a notice instructing the AP to “kill” the image and remove it from all platforms. At the time, Kensington Palace had no comment.
Rumors began to circulate surrounding Kate’s whereabouts in the wake of her surgery. Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that Kate’s procedure was “successful” and that she would remain in the hospital for “10 to 14 days.” Her recovery would continue at home, with the palace noting that Kate was “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter,” which falls on March 31.
Princess Kate Through the Years: From Commoner to Future Queen Consort
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,” read the palace’s statement, adding that Kate was looking forward to returning to her royal engagements “as soon as possible.”
No further specifics have been given regarding the nature of Kate’s surgery. Prior to her hospitalization, she had not been seen since December 2023. As speculation ran rampant online with theories about her wellbeing, her rep attempted to shut down the chatter last month.
Prince William and Princess Kate’s Relationship Timeline
“Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates,” read a statement to Us Weekly on February 29. “That guidance stands.”
A royal source previously addressed rumors that Kate was in a coma following her surgery, telling Us earlier in February there was “absolutely no truth to the report” and that Kate was “recovering at home.”
William, for his part, briefly addressed the continued speculation about his wife via his rep on Wednesday, March 6. “His focus is on work and not on social media,” the rep’s statement noted.
