Prince William and Princess Kate were reportedly left feeling “bruised” after the intense backlash over last year’s Photoshop controversy, a revelation that sheds light on the emotional toll it took on the royal couple.
According to PEOPLE, the Prince and Princess of Wales were unsettled by the overwhelming criticism that erupted after their Mother’s Day photo was posted online in March 2024.
Royal author Robert Hardman explained that the backlash was deeply felt by the couple. “There was a real sense then that they felt bruised by it,” he shared. “It was treated like some great fraud.”
The controversy began when Kate Middleton released a seemingly heartwarming Mother’s Day portrait featuring her children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. However, eagle-eyed netizens quickly spotted inconsistencies in the image.
Major photo agencies soon pulled the image from circulation, sparking an online frenzy filled with conspiracy theories and wild speculation about Kate’s whereabouts and health.
The Princess of Wales later admitted to editing the image, but the damage had already been done. The firestorm of speculation surrounding her condition and absence from public life only intensified.
Reports suggest that the entire experience was overwhelming for Kate and her family, coming at a time when she was already dealing with her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Alisa Anderson, former press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth, described the ordeal as a “roller coaster” for the royal family.
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“It was like being in the middle of a tornado and not knowing when it was going to calm down,” Anderson said, emphasizing the emotional strain of dealing with both public scrutiny and Kate’s chemotherapy.
The timing of the controversy made it even more difficult, as Kate was already battling a serious health crisis, which she publicly revealed on March 22, 2024.
While the royal couple remained silent for the most part, sources close to the family said they felt blindsided by the reaction and the accusations that followed.
Despite the storm, Kate and William have worked to regain public trust, with the princess slowly returning to royal duties while focusing on her recovery.
Insiders believe that while the experience was painful, it has only strengthened their determination to protect their family from unnecessary media scrutiny.
With Kate now back in the public eye, the couple is focused on moving forward, leaving behind one of the most challenging periods of their royal life.
