Prince William has appeared in public for the first time since the royal photo row erupted.
The Prince of Wales is accompanying the Queen and members of the royal family at engagements celebrating Commonwealth Day on Monday in what is one of the key royal events of the year.
However, it has been overshadowed by a controversy over a Mother’s Day photograph of his wife and their three children, which marked the first official picture of the Princess of Wales since she underwent abdominal surgery in January.
Kate Middleton was forced to apologise for “any confusion” caused and admitted to editing the image after widespread speculation that it had been manipulated culminated in major news agencies pulling the photo.
She 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.”
(AP)
The photo was the first to be issued since the princess’s abdominal surgery and was released by the Palace 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But it was withdrawn with a “Kill” notice by international picture agencies hours later, and the UK’s PA news agency on Monday, because of suspicions it had been manipulated.
Despite calls for the original to be published, Kensington Palace said it would not be reissuing the unedited photograph of Kate and her children.
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The Palace faced growing pressure over the debacle with the controversy branded damaging to the public’s trust of the royal family.
Kensington Palace confirmed the Princess of Wales left Windsor in a car with the Prince of Wales as William was driven to the Commonwealth Day service in London.
Kate is not attending the service, but is understood to have a private appointment.
At the event Prince William was seen greeting Edward with a friendly pat on the arm and a kiss on both cheeks, before standing in conversation with his aunts and uncle.
As Camilla approached, William was seen to say “hello” to his stepmother before moving forward to kiss her on both cheeks.
They smiled and chatted as they stood side by side ready for the national anthem to be played.
A Commonwealth Day Reception at Marlborough House will follow.
The King will be absent from the event as he continues to receive treatment for cancer during what has been a challenging start to 2024 for the Windsors.
Additional reporting by PA
