The photo editing scandal that has sparked a wave of backlash against the British monarchy and the Princess of Wales this week has been discussed at the White House, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denying that images of President Joe Biden and the first lady have been similarly manipulated.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Jean-Pierre was asked by a news correspondent, “does the White House ever digitally alter photos of the president, the vice president or first lady before they’re released?”
Met with laughter from the gathered press corps, Jean-Pierre responded that she was unaware of any examples and was surprised by the question.
“Digitally altered?” she said. “Not that I’m aware of, I would say no. Why would we digitally alter photos? Are you comparing us to what’s going on in the U.K.? Why does the monarch have anything to do with us? No, that is not something that we do here.”
Newsweek approached Kensington Palace via email for comment.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images/Robert Alexander/Getty Images
The discussion comes as a blow to the U.K.’s global image, after the Princess of Wales was forced to issue an apology when traces of editing were detected in a photo officially released to news agencies by Kensington Palace celebrating Mother’s Day.
The image was first posted on March 10 to William and Kate’s social media channels before being distributed to picture agencies, showing the princess surrounded by her three children. A statement at the time said: “The Princess of Wales is pleased to share a new photograph to mark Mother’s Day. The photograph was taken in Windsor earlier this week by The Prince.”
The image took on increased significance as it was the first official photograph released of Kate in over two months, following her break away from the public eye following abdominal surgery in January.
As Kensington Palace refused to provide a “running commentary” on her health, in recent weeks speculation and conspiracy theories around Kate, her health and whereabouts has grown. This was added to when social media users identified traces of editing in the Mother’s Day photo.
These traces included visible masking around the sleeve of Princess Charlotte, a cut in a zipper of Kate’s coat and inconsistencies around the trousers of Prince Louis.
As discourse around the picture grew, photo agencies including the Press Association and Getty Images issued “kill” notices to news outlets, asking them to cease using the portrait as it could violate their guidelines.
Just over 24 hours since its initial release, on March 11, Kate issued a rare personally authored apology via social media for any “confusion” her amateur editing may have caused.
“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” she said. “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.”
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
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 11, 2024
Despite the apology, the royals now face calls to release an unedited version of the photograph as speculation about Kate and her health continues to grow.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.