The controversy surrounding the prolonged absence of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, refuses to go away. In what was supposed to be an official confirmation of Kate Middleton’s whereabouts, the latest photo posted by the Kensington Palace has further aggravated the issue. Top media agencies – Reuters and Associated Press – have retracted the photo of the Princess of Wales over manipulation concerns. Both media agencies have said that there were concerns around ‘inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.’ The photo that was supposedly clicked by Prince William, heir to the throne, in Windsor was meant to put a full stop to all speculations.
Instead, the new concerns flagged by the media agencies has sparked yet another round of debate and discussion on social media. Sample this:
Is Kate Middleton missing?
Many believe that Kensington Palace was forced to release the photo of the Princess of Wales following weeks of online gossip with hashtags such as #WhereisKate and #Kateismissing. Several conspiracy theories have been doing the rounds since Kate Middleton underwent surgery for an unspecified medical condition on January 16 earlier this year.
In recent weeks, the British royal family has faced intense scrutiny due to the inability of both Kate and King Charles III to fulfill their usual public duties owing to health issues. Royal officials have disclosed that Charles is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, which was detected during medical care for an enlarged prostate.
Consequently, the monarch has suspended all public engagements while undergoing treatment. Nonetheless, he has been captured in photographs attending church and holding private meetings with government officials and dignitaries.
