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Besides the Oscars, the only topic people were talking about was the growing royal family soap opera in the U.K. It has taken so many twists and turns that a Hollywood screenwriter couldn’t write this thriller. What makes Monday’s chapter so intriguing is that Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s latest sighting seems to indicate they are well aware of the international drama the Photoshop fail has caused.
On Monday, after Kate tweeted out her mea-culpa apology about her Mother’s Day snapshot, the couple was spotted leaving Windsor Castle. (See the photo HERE.) The Prince of Wales had a public appearance at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service while the Princess of Wales was going to a “private appointment,” per the Daily Mail. The duo looked rather glum sitting in the back seat of their chauffeured ride. William looked down at his phone while Kate looked away, seemingly aware that all eyes (and camera lenses) were aimed at her — only a profile shot of her was seen.
The last 24 hours, really the last three months, have not been stellar ones for the royal family. They’ve been swamped with rumors, conspiracy theories, and the lack of trust from the public. Major (and reliable) press agencies issued a “kill notice” to the Mother’s Day image because “it appeared that the source has manipulated the image,” according to the Associated Press’ message, via NBC News. It’s not a good look at all for the high-profile family, who should have top-notch communications specialists commanding their team — not the amateur-hour PR antics that have riddled the palace as of late.
Kate’s recovery should genuinely take priority here — and we sincerely hope she’s doing well — but at this point, it’s understandable why the rumors have gripped social media for weeks. It no longer feels like a health crisis because it’s starting to feel like something bigger is brewing here. Are we watching the fall of the royal family in real-time? PR expert Mark Brokowski told the Daily Mail that there is a major lack of trust between the royal family and the public. “I find they have risen to the challenge, provided the statement as an explanation – the question is with all the conspiracy theories running around, is whether people believe it and I’m not sure they will,” he noted.
He doesn’t believe there is a lot of “strategic thinking” happening at the palace and that King Charles III and Kate’s health crises have turned into “a nightmare.” And Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy’s Fight for Survival author Omid Scobie has some harsh words for the palace in the wake of their ongoing controversies. He wrote on X, “With the Palace’s long history of lying, covering up, and even issuing statements on behalf of family members without their permission (cc: Prince Harry), it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the public to believe a word (and now photo) they share. Gaining that back at this point is an almost impossible task.”
Before you go, click here to see Princess Diana’s most scandalous royal moments.
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