Princess Kate and Prince William were reportedly shaken after backlash over a family photo erupted online, during an already difficult time. What was meant as a heartfelt Mother’s Day post in March 2024—showing Kate and her children in a portrait taken by William—quickly turned controversial when viewers spotted signs of digital editing.
Major outlets like Reuters and AP pulled the image, citing concerns it had been doctored. Kate later admitted she had edited it herself as an “amateur photographer,” but her apology did little to stem the criticism. At the time, the public was unaware she was privately undergoing cancer treatment.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman said the couple felt “bruised” and misjudged, describing the reaction as treating them like “frauds.” For William and Kate, it wasn’t just about a photo—it was a painful moment amid personal struggles.
Speculation escalated when a journalist suggested Kate’s face had been lifted from her 2016 Vogue cover. Side-by-side comparisons went viral, fueling conspiracy theories and intense scrutiny.
This wasn’t the first time the couple faced photo-related criticism. A 2023 Christmas card also drew attention, with people questioning whether Prince Louis was missing a finger. Sources said the couple was embarrassed and blindsided by the reaction, despite their usual openness with the public.
Through it all, William and Kate have remained united, facing challenges with resilience and strength as a family.