Duchess Kate’s photo that was supposed to dispel speculation turned out to be the exact opposite after being manipulated – CNN.co.jp

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LONDON (CNN) A photo of Britain’s Crown Princess Catherine smiling surrounded by her three children was supposed to put an end to speculation about her health and whereabouts. But hours later, multiple global news agencies withdrew the photos, citing concerns about manipulation, sparking a whole new controversy about the British royal family.

This photo was released by Kensington Palace on the official social media accounts of the Prince and Princess of Wales early on the 10th to celebrate Mother’s Day in the UK. In line with the custom for official photos of the British royal family, the images were also provided to various news agencies for distribution at the same time.

The photo shows the Duchess Kate looking relaxed and smiling, surrounded by Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. She couldn’t help but smile at the words and actions of Prince William, who is said to be in charge of the photo shoot.

On the morning of the 11th, after the riot broke out, Duchess Kate issued a statement acknowledging responsibility for causing the unexpected confusion and personally apologizing.

The statement read: “Like many amateur photographers, I try to edit from time to time. I would like to apologize for the confusion caused by the family photo I shared yesterday. To everyone celebrating Mother’s Day. I hope you had a happy day.” She added the letter “C” for Duchess Kate at the end of her post.

It is an annual tradition for the British royal family to celebrate Mother’s Day, but the poignant photo is seen as a message to the country, and has been on the rise ever since she underwent surgery for an abdominal problem in January. This was supposed to ease the public’s concerns about Duchess Kate, who had been in the midst of a crisis.

Despite the royal family’s explanation that it would take two to three months for Duchess Kate to recover, the suspension of royal duties and the lack of transparency surrounding her condition created an information vacuum, and conspiracy theories abounded on social media. The content ranges from the insensitive to the outrageous.

The Mother’s Day photo was also the first official public appearance of Duchess Kate since Christmas. Last week, a blurry paparazzi photo of the Duchess Kate sitting in the passenger seat of her mother’s car surfaced, but many media outlets, including CNN, independently decided not to publish the unauthorized photo. was lowered. Many established news organizations typically do not use paparazzi photos unless there is a strong editorial reason or public interest argument.

Questions surrounding the photo first surfaced on social media. Keeping in mind Duchess Kate’s high popularity, every detail of the photo was scrutinized. Eagle-eyed royal watchers were quick to question the absence of a wedding or engagement ring, as well as the lush greenery in the background despite the chilly March weather.

The debate heated up even further after the Associated Press told customers it had withdrawn distribution and suggested that the source had manipulated the photo. Other international news organizations followed similar guidelines.

An initial investigation by CNN identified at least two areas that appear to have been tampered with. One is on Princess Charlotte’s cuff, and the other is on the left side zipper of Duchess Kate’s jacket, and the zipper appears to be out of place.

CNN continues to use the original photo, with appropriate captions, in light of the controversy over the alteration allegations.

Princess Charlotte’s cuff/Kensington Palace, one of two locations thought to have been modified.

The other zipper on the left side of Kate’s jacket appears to be out of place/Kensington Palace

This family photo was featured extensively in British newspapers on the 11th. Some articles highlighted the retraction of the photo, while others highlighted the mounting problems of the royal family.

The Daily Telegraph’s headline read, “Royal photo altered, news agency reports”. The Daily Mail ran a headline that read, “Mother’s Day joyful photo was supposed to bring much-needed relief, but it backfired?”

It’s not unusual for royal family members to take their own snapshots. Duchess Kate is known as an avid photographer, and she has taken countless photos of her family and her children’s milestones. In some cases, she even commissions photographers to take her official portraits.

Royal staff are well aware of the heated debate surrounding Kate, and have taken extraordinary measures in recent weeks to calm rumors. At the same time, they are also working to protect the medical privacy of Duchess Kate, who holds a high position in the royal family.

Duchess Kate is currently resting at her family’s Adelaide Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Considering Prince William’s long recovery period until Easter at the end of March, it is strange that Prince William took his Mother’s Day photos himself without having a professional photographer enter his home. isn’t it.

In this case, Duchess Kate’s argument may boil down to the fact that it was difficult to get her three children to face the camera at the same time.

However, the photo is being distributed for editorial purposes (reporting and publication purposes), and the media expects such images to be accurate.

CNN is currently reviewing all photos previously provided by Kensington Palace.

In editorial photography, photojournalists and editors often adjust the exposure and color balance of the photo. This is to more accurately capture the situation at the scene. Moving, changing, or manipulating pixels is considered unacceptable by most news organizations, including CNN. When you do this, you end up changing the very reality you are trying to record with photography.

In the past, amateur photos of the royal family posted on social media have been well received. However, this time the photo was provided to the media as a handout, and the royal family has not provided a transparent explanation of the fact that it was edited.

Such a response could undermine the relationship of trust between the royal family and the press. Like CNN, many news organizations are likely to verify all royal handouts. After the processing scandal, the relationship of trust that had existed up until now had collapsed. If the public’s suspicions that there is something he is hiding heats up, as happened this time, the media will likely take speculation more seriously next time.

The situation has cast a dark shadow over the Commonwealth Day celebrations to be held at Windsor Castle on the 11th, attended by senior members of the royal family.

With Duchess Kate apologizing and claiming that it was a simple mistake, the debate on social media is expected to calm down to some extent. However, some people may find it difficult to accept the alteration of the photo and the subsequent explanation.

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This article is an analysis by CNN reporters Lauren Saidmoorhouse and Max Foster.