Kensington Palace called out for doctoring pictures of late Queen

Kensington Palace is once again thrust into the limelight. This time the palace is grappling with fresh controversies surrounding digitally enhanced images.

They have also been under more scrutiny after for a revealing video featuring Kate Middleton.

KENSINGTON PALACE PHOTOS ALTERED

These developments come hot on the heels of widespread scrutiny over manipulated photographs.

This has prompted more than a tidal wave of social media speculation regarding Middleton’s health and whereabouts.

Getty Images recently appended an editor’s note to a photograph of Queen Elizabeth II, snapped by Kate Middleton, as reported by Deadline.

They acknowledged that the image underwent digital enhancements at the hands of the royal family.

Getty Images slaps notice on this photo released from Kensington Palace of Queen Elizabeth and her grandchildren stating “the image has been digitally enhanced at the source”. pic.twitter.com/LKJoQkELv4

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) March 19, 2024

KENSINGTON PALACE PHOTOS UNDER SCRUTINY

This disclosure marks the second instance within a week where Kensington Palace found itself under intense scrutiny for tampering with visual representations.

Previously, news outlets issued “kill notices” for a Mother’s Day image of Middleton and her children.

This prompted a public apology from the Duchess herself.

Despite inquiries and mounting pressure, Kensington Palace has remained conspicuously silent on both occasions.

Another photo released by the Royals has been found to be "digitally manipulated."

Getty Images said the photograph of Queen Elizabeth with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taken by Kate and released by Kensington Palace last year, has been “digitally enhanced." pic.twitter.com/Q6y78szFnz

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) March 19, 2024

KENSINGTON PALACE REFRAINS FROM MAKING A STATEMENT

They have refrained from issuing any statements regarding the controversies engulfing the royal household.

The photo in question, purportedly taken by Kate Middleton during a summer visit to Balmoral in 2022, resurfaced on what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 97th birthday.

However, the revelation of digital alterations has cast a shadow over its authenticity.

It raises doubts about the integrity of images disseminated by the royal family.

INTEGRITY IN THE ROYAL FAMILY

Phil Chetwynd, global news director of Agence France-Presse (AFP), voiced concerns about Kensington Palace’s credibility in the wake of these controversies. He stated that the institution is no longer viewed as a “trusted source” among journalists.

He likened the rarity of issuing “kill notices” to previous instances involving dubious sources such as North Korean or Iranian news agencies.

This emphasised the severity of the situation.

KATE MIDDLETON VIDEO

Coinciding with the concern over manipulated images is the emergence of a video featuring Kate Middleton and Prince William. The video was filmed at the Windsor Farm Shop.

The footage, which shows Middleton shortly after her abdominal surgery in January, has been circulated by various media outlets.

The video’s release has only added fuel to the fire, intensifying public interest in Middleton’s health and whereabouts, as reported to Reuters.

In light of these developments, Kensington Palace finds itself moving through strong waters.

🚨BBC reporter Sonja McLaughlan says that the TMZ video of the woman shopping this past weekend was a Kate lookalike, and "it's disturbing that newspapers are reporting this as fact."#KateMiddleton #KateGate #RoyalAnnouncement #KensingtonPalaceEXPOSED pic.twitter.com/HOTlLNTCPK pic.twitter.com/toy8EMtoo9

— 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 (@CapXSid) March 20, 2024

PUBLIC SCEPTICISM

The palace now faces heightened scrutiny and public scepticism.

As controversies continue to swirl around the images and leaked videos, the royal family’s reputation hangs in the balance.

It has left many to question the authenticity of the images and narratives made by the monarchy.