Controversy Surrounds Alleged Editing of Photo from Harry and Meghan's Son's Christening
Allegations of photo editing arise as a picture from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son Archie's christening sparks debate within the royal family. This incident marks the third time the royals have faced accusations of altering images.
Agency and Photographer Argue Over Whether Photo From Harry and Meghan Son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor Christening Was Altered
The Christening of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at the private chapel at Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, UK, on the 6th July 2019. MEGA
A photo from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s son Archie’s christening has stirred controversy, marking the third picture that the royal family has been accused of editing.
The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday, March 19, that Getty Images flagged a July 2019 picture of the royals as “digitally enhanced.” The snap, taken by Chris Allerton, captures Harry, Meghan (holding a then 2-month-old Archie), King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate Middleton, Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, and Princess Diana‘s sisters.
Photographer Allerton has denied the claims, calling the suggestion a “load of cobblers” a.k.a nonsense.
All eyes have been on the royal family as Kate, 42, recovers from abdominal surgery. Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that the procedure was successful and the princess will not return to her royal duties until after Easter. Speculations about Kate’s absence from the public eye started to circulate, with social media users going into a frenzy after realizing that the photo Kate posted for Mother’s Day in the U.K. had been Photoshopped.
"I enjoy trying out different editing techniques as a hobby, like many other amateur photographers. I just wanted to say sorry if the family photo I posted yesterday caused any confusion. I hope all the moms out there had a wonderful Mother's Day!" - Kate's message shared on X on March 11.
The photo of Kate with her three children, Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (8), and Prince Louis (5), was credited to William, who is 41 years old.
Agency and Photographer Argue Over Whether Photo From Harry and Meghan Son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor Christening Was Altered 02 Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Prince of Wales/Kensington Palace / MEGA
Days later, The Telegraph pointed out six “inconsistencies” in another photo of Queen Elizabeth II with her grandkids from summer 2022. This photo was posted on social media in April 2023 to mark what would have been the queen’s 97th birthday, and Kate was the one who took the picture.
The palace has tried to address rumors questioning Kate’s recovery, as some fans refuse to believe that the three recent sightings of Kate were indeed her.
The spokesperson for the Princess of Wales reaffirmed in a statement on February 29 that Kensington Palace had previously outlined the timeline for the princess' recovery and would only be sharing important updates. They emphasized that this guidance remains unchanged.
In a separate statement, William's team mentioned that the prince is currently prioritizing his work and is not focusing on social media.
Speculation has arisen regarding the marriage of William and Kate, with some unfounded theories suggesting that they are experiencing issues. In 2019, rumors circulated online alleging that William had an affair with Lady Rose Hanbury, causing a stir. However, Hanbury recently refuted these claims in a statement released through her lawyer to Business Insider.
Royal expert and Editor-in-Chief of True Royalty TV, Nick Bullen, shared insights on the situation. He mentioned that he knows individuals close to Hanbury who confirmed that she was not involved in any romantic relationship with Prince William. Bullen emphasized that Hanbury was deeply affected by the rumors when they first surfaced a few years ago and continues to be distressed by them even now.
Editor's P/S:
The recent controversies surrounding the editing of royal family photographs have highlighted the ongoing scrutiny and skepticism that the monarchy faces in the digital age. The allegations of digital manipulation and the resulting speculation have cast a shadow over the once-pristine image of the royal family, raising questions about the authenticity and reliability of the information they present to the public.
This saga underscores the challenges faced by the monarchy in adapting to a world where social media and instant access to information have made it increasingly difficult to control their narrative. The relentless scrutiny and the proliferation of unfounded rumors can erode public trust and damage the reputation of the institution. It remains to be seen how the royal family will navigate these challenges and maintain their relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
