The recent revelation by Princess Catherine that she edited a Mother’s Day photo has sparked controversy and raised questions about her photography skills.
Despite describing herself as an amateur photographer, experts argue that her extensive experience suggests otherwise.
The photo in question, featuring Catherine with her children, Prince George, Prince Charlotte, and Prince Louis, was initially believed to be taken by Prince William.
Critics point out that Catherine’s claim of being an amateur photographer is questionable, given her history of capturing official photos of her children since Princess Charlotte’s birth in 2015.
The royal family often opts for her photos over hiring a professional photographer for significant events and milestones.
A recent incident involving a digitally manipulated portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II further fueled speculation about the authenticity of royal family photos.
This isn’t the first time the royal family has faced scrutiny over edited images.
The public’s perception of Catherine as the unofficial royal photographer has grown, with her work being showcased on special occasions.
Notably, her photography skills were recognized even before her marriage to Prince William, as evidenced by her involvement in the St. Andrews University Photography Club and her photography duties at her parents’ company, Party Pieces.
Reports from 2007 indicated Catherine’s contemplation of transitioning to full-time photography and receiving training from renowned photographer Count Nikolai von Bismarck in 2009.
Her patronage of the Royal Photographic Society in 2019 further solidified her passion for photography.
Notably, Catherine’s recent projects, including a cover photoshoot for County Life magazine featuring Queen Camilla, have garnered praise from royal photographers.
In a poignant video shared by Kensington Palace on March 22, Princess Catherine disclosed her cancer diagnosis, filmed at Windsor Castle by BBC Studios.
However, Getty Images appended an editor’s note to the video, raising questions about its compliance with editorial standards.
Some users defended the video’s authenticity, highlighting Getty’s practice of attaching notes to third-party content not created by them.
The debate surrounding Princess Catherine’s editing skills and photography background continues to unfold, with contrasting opinions on her proficiency and the authenticity of her work.
The intersection of royalty, photography, and public scrutiny underscores the complexities of maintaining a public image in the digital age.
As the princess navigates these challenges, her passion for photography remains a central aspect of her identity and contributions to the royal family.