The return of Kate Middleton to the public eye with a new photo following her recovery from abdominal surgery was met with controversy as several leading international photo agencies refused to distribute the image, citing concerns over potential manipulation.
This development adds a new layer to the ongoing narrative within the royal family, particularly in the context of reported attempts at reconciliation. According to insights from royal expert Angela Levin, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, might not be as disturbed by the photo debacle as some might expect.
This speculation arises amidst rumors that Kate Middleton, now the Princess of Wales, had reached out to Meghan following directives from King Charles III to address and possibly mend the rift caused by allegations of racial insensitivity within the royal family. These allegations were brought to light in Omid Scobie’s controversial memoir, “Endgame,” which mistakenly attributed racist remarks about Prince Archie to King Charles and Kate.
According to the Mirror, “If she is going to see that they are being attacked or criticized, I don’t think she will be very upset,” the royal author said. The Associated Press (AP) Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Getty Images issued a “kill notice” to media outlets around the globe, stating that they had each deleted the photo. “At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image,” a message from the AP read.
Levin, speaking to GB News, suggested that Meghan’s purported envy towards Princess Catherine could diminish any potential empathy she might feel towards the latter’s current public relations challenge. The royal expert’s comments add another dimension to the complex relationships and dynamics within the British royal family, especially against the backdrop of recent efforts to navigate and resolve ongoing disputes and misunderstandings.
The photograph in question, released on Mother’s Day, featured Kate Middleton with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, and was intended to mark her re-emergence on social media after a significant absence due to her health issues. While the image succeeded in attracting positive reactions and well-wishes from many royal enthusiasts, it also became a focal point for conspiracy theories and further speculation.
As Kensington Palace remains silent in the face of these developments and the growing public discourse, questions persist about the internal dynamics of the royal family, the authenticity of the disputed photograph, and the broader implications of these controversies for the monarchy’s public image and internal relationships.