Speculations and doubts have emerged surrounding recent images of Kate Middleton, fueling conspiracy theories across social media platforms. The Princess of Wales, who had been absent from public appearances for a period, was photographed alongside Prince William on Monday, seemingly aiming to put an end to the rumours of her "disappearance." However, questions and scepticism persist among a segment of Internet users.
Photographer Shuts Down Rumours
Goff Photos, the agency responsible for capturing the 'Car Photo' in question, has firmly denied any alterations to the pictures. In a statement to E! News, it conceded that the images had undergone cropping and adjustments to lighting but emphasised that no tampering had taken place.
Jim Bennett, the photographer behind the lens, echoed these sentiments, asserting that his company policy strictly prohibits Photoshop alterations, except for minor adjustments to lighting levels when necessary. Bennett shed light on the challenges of capturing car shots, citing their inherent unpredictability, compounded by reflections on the glass.
Bennett had anticipated photographing Prince William en route to the Commonwealth Day service in London. However, it was only during a review of the captured frames that he realised the presence of another individual besides the Prince. "It wasn't until I checked on the back of the camera to make sure I had a frame of Prince William that I realised there was someone sitting next to him. It turned out to be Catherine!" remarked Bennett, highlighting the unexpected nature of the encounter.
The 'Car Photo' In Question
Some social media users, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), have raised concerns about the authenticity of the images, claiming that Princess Catherine's appearance in the car does not resemble her. Notably, many of the photos circulating online only show Prince William's face clearly, prompting questions about the selective framing of the shots. Additionally, discrepancies in details such as the color of the bricks visible in the background have been pointed out by keen observers.
Further adding to the scepticism, theories have surfaced suggesting that the photograph may be old, potentially dating back to Christmas 2023, before Princess Catherine's reported abdominal surgery in January. Claims have been made that certain elements of the image were altered or manipulated, with users citing supposed discrepancies in details like the removal of an earring and the presence of reflections on the car's glass.
How Did 'KateGate' Kick Off?
The latest controversy follows a recent incident where the Princess of Wales admitted to a photo editing error, leading to widespread confusion and prompting her to issue a public apology. Despite efforts to clarify the situation, doubts persist among certain quarters regarding the authenticity of images featuring the royal family.
The Royal Palace or its representatives have yet to respond to the latest wave of speculation surrounding the Princess' latest photographs. As discussions continue online, the authenticity of the images remains a subject of debate and scrutiny among royal watchers and social media users alike.