Getty Images recently added an editorial note to Kate Middleton’s cancer announcement video, sparking speculation and controversy. The video, in which the Duchess of Cambridge revealed her cancer diagnosis, had already caused a stir online as conspiracy theories surrounding her whereabouts circulated before the news was made public.
Adding fuel to the fire, a U.K. Mother’s Day photo of Middleton created a Photoshop controversy and even led to a “kill notice” from reputable news agencies. This has all contributed to a growing skepticism among the public towards the royal family, with credibility issues coming to the forefront.
In response to the backlash, BBC Studios confirmed that the video message was indeed filmed with Middleton at Windsor Castle and denied any involvement of artificial intelligence. However, the Palace’s communications office has come under fire for mishandling the royal family’s public relations in recent months.
Calls for Middleton to make a public appearance to validate the authenticity of the video message have been growing, as the public demands transparency from the royal family. Critics have also accused the family of being too cozy with British tabloids and controlling the narrative surrounding them for decades.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the royal family’s reputation hangs in the balance as they face mounting scrutiny from an increasingly skeptical public.
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