Unraveling the Truth Behind Kate Middleton's Alleged Car Photo Hoax

Kate Middleton

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Princess Kate Middleton was recently photographed with her husband Prince William in a car. However, some conspiracy theorists quickly jumped to conclusions, suggesting that the photos were edited, or that there were decoys involved.

The 42-year-old Princess of Wales was spotted in a car with William, 41, on Monday, March 11. These photos were obtained by the Daily Mail, and it was only the second time that Kate had been seen in public since her abdominal surgery in January. The royal couple was captured driving from Windsor Castle to a private appointment, with Kate's head turned away in the photos.

Since the photo was shared, some people have come up with conspiracy theories claiming that the photo is fake. These rumors spread so much that both the photographer, Jim Bennett, and the photo syndication service, Goff Photos, had to address and deny them.

According to the agency, E! News was informed earlier this week that the photos have only been cropped and lightened, with no editing or manipulation done.

Bennett shared the same idea in his own statement. According to the photographer, they do not alter their photos in Photoshop except for adjusting the light levels when needed. Bennett spoke to The New York Post on Tuesday, March 12.

He went on to mention, "The cars departed from Windsor Castle and I captured them just a short distance away on Datchet High Street — specifically, outside No. 39!" Bennett explained that taking photos of cars can be tricky, especially when there are reflections on the glass, making it challenging to get the perfect shot.

Conspiracy theorists pointed out that the bricks visible through the car windows were different colors, suggesting a newer wall. However, a quick search on Google Maps of 39 High St. in Datchet, England, revealed that the multicolored bricks were part of a garden wall, while the uniform red bricks above the car belonged to a historic building known as Datchet Lodge.

Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William, attend The Royal Variety Performance in November 2023. Ricky Vigil M/Justin E Palmer/GC Images

Some people still refuse to believe that the photo is real, even after the brick evidence was debunked. Social media users have been speculating that the photo of Kate looking away resembles ones taken on Christmas Day.

One user commented, "That is not Kate in the car picture … absolutely nothing like her!" Another user added, "Where is Kate? Fake family pictures and a sketchy car pap photo?! Something isn’t right …"

Some people believe the photo is authentic but argue that Kate is not the person in the picture. According to one royal observer on X, they commented, "It honestly looks like Pippa to me. That being said, I’ve been around for longer than a minute. I don’t remember anything this weird coming from the RF, ever."

Pippa Middleton, the sister of the princess who gained fame as a bridesmaid at the royal wedding in 2011, is being speculated as the less controversial choice in the Commonwealth Day photo. Some are suggesting that the woman in the photo is actually Rose Hanbury.

Rumors began circulating in 2019 about William possibly having an affair with Hanbury, who holds the title of Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Hanbury was present at William and Kate’s wedding in 2011, but reports surfaced in 2019 claiming that she had a falling out with Kate due to the alleged infidelity.

Hanbury's name has resurfaced recently, thanks in part to Stephen Colbert who mentioned the scandal on The Late Show. Colbert joked about the speculation surrounding Kate's absence being linked to her husband, Prince William, possibly having an affair with The Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Rumors of an affair between William and Rose have been circulating since 2019, with tabloids claiming that when Kate confronted him about it, he dismissed it with a laugh. A classic response when accused of cheating, right?

Royal watchers have become more cautious of Kate's photos after discovering that Kensington Palace shared a doctored photo on social media recently. News agencies quickly sent out alerts to remove the altered photo once it was posted.

The day after, Kate issued a statement, confessing to editing the photo: "Like many amateur photographers, I sometimes play around with editing. I apologize for any confusion caused by the family photo we shared."

The princess has been keeping a low profile since Kensington Palace announced that she had undergone a planned abdominal surgery in January. She will not be returning to any royal engagements until after Easter. Despite this, she was seen out with William on March 11 and photographed in a car with her mother, Carole Middleton, on March 4.

According to a source, Kate feels that she deserves time to heal and recover without all the media attention and speculation. Both Kate and William believe that her medical records should remain private and not be made public.

Even people who work closely with the royal family are not being informed about the Princess of Wales. Some of Kate's senior staff members have not been able to see or talk to her. They were surprised to learn about the surgery only when it was announced.

Editor's P/S:

The recent conspiracy theories surrounding the photos of Princess Kate Middleton and Prince William have sparked a mix of amusement and concern among the public. While some dismiss the claims as outlandish, others remain skeptical, fueling speculation and mistrust. The widespread dissemination of misinformation and the ease with which it can spread on social media have created a fertile ground for such theories to take root.

The palace's admission that a previous photo was edited has further eroded public confidence, casting doubt on the authenticity of future images. The secrecy surrounding Kate's surgery and her subsequent absence from public events has also raised questions about the transparency of the royal family. As the line between fact and fiction blurs, it becomes increasingly important for the public to approach information with a critical eye and rely on credible sources for news and updates. to prioritize accuracy and respect when discussing the lives and actions of public figures. The royal family's decision to keep Kate's medical records private should also be respected. Individuals have the right to privacy, especially when it comes to their health. It's important to strike a balance between public curiosity and the need for personal space and dignity for members of the royal family.