Earlier this year, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, found herself embroiled in controversy following a Mother’s Day photograph that appeared to be heavily edited. Taken by Prince William, the snapshot contained noticeable Photoshop errors that caught the public’s attention and led to widespread criticism. At the time, few knew that the Duchess was battling cancer, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. As the backlash unfolded, Kate took responsibility for the editing mistake, but a new biography reveals a behind-the-scenes story that suggests Prince William could have done more to support his wife.
Prince William Allegedly Left Kate to Face the Music Alone
In his upcoming book, Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen, royal author Robert Jobson alleges that Prince William allowed Kate to face the music alone, despite his role in the situation. According to an excerpt obtained by the Daily Mail, William “refused to budge” in accepting any blame alongside Kate.
The book claims that William’s PR team had initially suggested issuing a joint statement to deflect some of the negative attention from Kate. The proposed statement used the words “we” and “our,” indicating shared responsibility. However, Jobson writes that Prince William ultimately decided against it. The reason? William allegedly felt that since Kate had manipulated the photo, he shouldn’t involve himself in the controversy, fearing it would only fuel further speculation. Consequently, the final statement of apology was issued by Kate alone.
Kate’s Statement Takes On New Meaning
Kate’s apology, posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), takes on new meaning in light of these revelations and her health struggles. At the time, she wrote, “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.”
Given her vulnerable position during the period, many find it puzzling why Prince William did not share the blame. Jobson’s allegations have painted William in an unflattering light, accusing him of putting personal image above supporting his wife.
Prince William’s Alleged Selfish Agendas
This isn’t the first time Prince William has been accused of putting his interests first. Royal author Omid Scobie, known for his close ties to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has also criticized William. In a November 2023 interview with Newsweek, Scobie remarked that the Prince of Wales often prioritizes himself, even over King Charles III.
“Despite being fed those lines or the briefings about father and son working in lockstep with one another, we’ve seen father and son on completely different paths at times, with completely different views on things, and we haven’t seen them together on engagements,” Scobie claimed.
The Prince of Wales reportedly sees King Charles III’s reign as “transitional” or merely a “bridge” to his future rule, a notion that underscores his determination to assert his independence and authority. However, some critics argue that Kate Middleton is the true star of the royal family, often overshadowing William’s cautious, institutional persona.
Kate Middleton: The Monarchy’s “Last Shiny Thing”
According to Scobie’s book, Endgame, Kate is viewed by many as the “monarchy’s last ‘shiny thing’ for many years to come.” Her charismatic presence and relatability continue to endear her to the public, especially when contrasted with William’s sometimes staid institutional role and the absence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“For many of those in the press,” Scobie writes, “Kate is the monarchy’s last ‘shiny thing,’ even more so given William’s slow fade into his staid institutional role and the departure of Harry and Meghan.” The sentiment suggests that Kate’s popularity remains a significant asset for the royal family, one that should be celebrated and protected—especially by her husband.
As the future King and Queen, Prince William and Kate Middleton remain under intense public scrutiny. The allegations in Jobson’s upcoming biography paint a picture of a royal couple navigating both personal and public challenges. The questions surrounding William’s support during Kate’s Mother’s Day controversy reveal the complexities of royal life and underscore the pressure faced by the couple as they balance personal lives with public roles. Whether these claims will impact the royal family’s public image remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kate Middleton continues to be a beloved figure in the eyes of many, embodying grace and resilience amidst the trials of life in the royal spotlight.
