STANDING FIRM
Prince William brushes off Princess Kate’s Photoshop drama as he arrives for Commonwealth celebration without his wife
It comes just hours after the princess was forced to apologise for editing a photo that sparked an online row
PRINCE William has arrived at this afternoon's Commonwealth Day Service without Princess Kate at his side.
The pair had been spotted in the back seat of a black Land Rover just moments prior.
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It was the first time the royals had been seen since Kate sparked an online storm when she shared a Photoshopped family snap to celebrate Mother's Day.
She was then forced to apologise after admitting she had "experimented with editing".
She was said to have a "private appointment" she was heading to and giving the service a miss.
Cancer hit King Charles today spoke to the Commonwealth — and vowed “to continue to serve you, to the best of my ability”.
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His 615-word Commonwealth Day address will be beamed from Westminster Abbey at a 2,000-guest ceremony attended by other royals including Queen Camilla and Prince William.
It was the Commonwealth Day Service four years ago that was Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's final event before Megxit.
Geri Halliwell arrived at the service this afternoon without Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner.
The ex-Spice Girl smiled for the cameras as she once again wore a trademark all-white ensemble.
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It is the first time she has been seen at a public event without her husband since the scandal broke.
Kate's editing fails are a massive embarrassment but it's not her fault - what WAS the Palace thinking, says royal expert
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were also all smiles as they arrived at the service.
Princess Kate had been seen in the car with with just hours before Wills arrived at the service.
She had sparked an online frenzy after sharing a Mother's Day photo yesterday.
Royal fans claimed the picture was edited - before photo agencies ordered a "kill notice" on the pic.
The five large news agencies - PA, AP, Getty Images, Reuters, AFP - all withdrew the pic over fears it had been 'edited at source'.
Fans yesterday questioned why Kate wasn't wearing her wedding ring and noticed that her other hand was blurry.
Others said Charlotte's cardigan sleeve seemed to disappear and her skirt was fuzzy.
Kate's photo 'editing' confusion comes as:
- Princess Kate apologises for "confusion" caused by inconsistencies in family image
- Princess Kate is pictured with Prince William leaving Windsor Castle this afternoon in a black Land Rover
- Piers Morgan calls for the Palace to share the unedited photo to quell internet sleuths
- Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith gives his verdict on Mother’s Day picture as he speaks out after CBB eviction
- Photo agencies release 'kill notice' on Princess Kate's Mother's Day picture
- Twitter's warning over Princess Kate photo inconsistencies
- King Charles releases video message saying he’ll ‘continue to serve you, to the best of my ability’ amid cancer battle
Some people also claimed there appeared to be an odd cut in the skirting board.
In a colour-corrected and lightened version of the image, Kate's zip appears not to line up.
And a Photoshop expert, who's been fixing photos for 25 years, has revealed what in the pic has been edited - and why he thinks it has been.
Stephen Davies, who says he's often called the 'Photoshop Guy', said he doesn't think there was anything "deceptive" going on - just that the family wanted the perfect photo.
Princess Kate said this morning: "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."
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The palace said it would not be reissuing the original unedited photograph of Kate and her children.
It comes despite calls for them to post the un-doctored snap to help quash conspiracy theories about the status of Kate's health.
King Charles' video message
By Matt Wilkinson
CANCER-hit King Charles will today speak to the Commonwealth — and vow “to continue to serve you, to the best of my ability”.
In a pre-recorded message, his first since he made known his diagnosis five weeks ago, His Majesty will deliver a rallying cry to member nations worldwide.
His 615-word Commonwealth Day address will be beamed from Westminster Abbey at a 2,000-guest ceremony attended by other royals including Queen Camilla and Prince William.
The late Queen missed the 2022 ceremony with ill health, issuing a written message.
Charles will say: “Having recently celebrated my own 75th birthday, it warms my heart to reflect on the way the Commonwealth has been a constant throughout my own life — a precious source of strength, inspiration and pride.
“In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth.
“My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been.
“I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey.”
The King, who will speak of member nations’ “common ambitions for a better future”, recorded his Commonwealth message at Windsor Castle last month.
Despite his cancer battle, it is understood he is keen to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Samoa in October.
The Commonwealth, which has 56 members, continues to grow with African nations Togo and Gabon joining last year.
The King said it shows “we have common ambitions for a better future”.
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