Catherine, Princess of Wales appeared in a new photo in honour of Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom. Kate Middleton posed with her three smiling children: George (ten), Charlotte (eight) and Louis (five).
However, there were concerns that the image had been digitally altered, and Kensington Palace released an official statement in response.
“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” the message said.
“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 photo was taken by Prince William a few days ago at their home in Windsor, and marked the first official photograph of the Princess of Wales since her abdominal surgery in January.
Accompanying the photo was a message from Kate thanking the public for their continued support and she also extended her well wishes to other families on Mother’s Day.
“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day,” Kate wrote in the caption, signing off with a ‘C’ at the end.
This is also the first time that a family photo taken by Prince William has been released, as typically Kate is the one behind the camera.
The Mother’s Day tribute comes just days after Kate Middleton was photographed for the first time since her surgery.
The Princess was spotted in a car with her mother near her home in Windsor – her first public sighting since Christmas Day last year.
For Mother’s Day in 2023, the Wales family also released photographs of Princess Catherine with her three children.
Kensington Palace shared two portraits – one of Kate with George, Charlotte and Louis sitting in a tree, and another of Catherine cradling her youngest, Louis.
In 2021, there was also a photo shared in honour of Mother’s Day of a cake the royal children had made for their mother, as well as photos of cards the children had written to their late grandmother, Princess Diana, who they affectionately call Granny Diana.
The Wales’ weren’t the only royals to share Mother’s Day tributes this year, as King Charles and Queen Camilla also shared a photograph of a young Charles with his mum, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“Wishing all Mothers, and those who are missing their Mums today, a peaceful Mothering Sunday,” the King and Queen wrote on Instagram.
