Princess of Wales picture and what you say after apology

Kate said sorry with a statement on social media which read: “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.

“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. C.”

Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. 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. C

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 11, 2024

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The photograph of Kate and her children, said to be taken by the Prince of Wales, was the first to be issued since the princess’s abdominal surgery and was released to mark Mother’s Day.

But it was withdrawn with a “Kill” notice by international picture agencies hours later, and the UK’s PA news agency on Monday, because of suspicions it had been manipulated.

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Bolton residents have given their reaction after The Princess of Wales publicly took the blame for a manipulated family photograph released by Kensington Palace as she issued a personal apology for the “confusion”. Kate said sorry with a statement on social media which read: “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. “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. C.”

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Social media users pointed out a disappearing sleeve on Princess Charlotte’s arm as one possible piece of evidence that the photo had been edited – contravening the rules of many agencies and outlets.

Some have dubbed the incident ‘Kategate’ or ‘Sleevegate’.

A missing sleeve was noticed on social media prior to Kate's admission, leading some to dub the scandal 'sleevegate' (Image: Kensington Palace)

The Bolton News asked people around the town centre for their opinions on the debacle on Monday lunchtime.

Boltonian Sarah Magilton said she thought the photo was ‘all a bit weird’.

The 28-year-old added: “It’s a lot of work to do that much editing, I feel like you’ve got to get on a computer and everything, I don’t think she’s doing that.

“I think she shouldn’t have put the picture out, she should have put an honest picture out.”

Sarah Magilton thought the picture looked 'weird' (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

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Friend Adam Kershaw, aged 27, said: “It looks a bit Photoshopped, but it’s not really professionally done or anything like that is it?

“She shouldn’t really need to apologise for a photo or anything like that, she can do what she wants really.”

Adam Kershaw thought Kate shouldn't have had to apologise (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

Elaine Claire originally described the photo as ‘lovely’.

However, when the manipulation was pointed out, the 75-year-old said: “She shouldn’t have done it then, but I think it’s a lovely photo.”

The Harwood resident added: “It would have been nicer just natural, wouldn’t it?”

Elaine thought the photo looked 'lovely' (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

Bolton resident Pat said: “I do like her and I do think it’s doctored, but I just hope she’s OK.”

The 75-year-old added: “Why don’t they just leave her alone to get better?”

Ste Johnson said: “I just can’t understand why you don’t leave them alone. It’s a perfectly good picture and it’s their business what they released.”

The 67-year-old added: “She doesn’t have to apologise because it’s their business, not ours’.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.