Prince Louis Birthday Photo Sparks Authenticity Questions Amid Royal Controversies

The release of Prince Louis' 6th birthday portrait by the Prince and Princess of Wales has raised new questions about the authenticity of images shared by the royal family. The photo, taken by Princess Kate and posted on the couple's social media accounts on April 23, 2024, comes just weeks after Kate apologized for a photoshopped image of her with her children that was posted for Mother's Day.

The controversy surrounding the birthday photo has been intensified by speculation about Kate's health, as she recently underwent abdominal surgery in January and was later revealed to be receiving preventive chemotherapy for cancer. The royal family has maintained a low profile since the announcement, with King Charles III also reducing many public-facing duties over the past months after disclosing his own cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

The release of the birthday portrait deviated from the royal family's usual protocol of releasing birthday portraits a day before the milestone. This change was understood to be related to a desire for privacy after Princess Kate shared that she was receiving cancer treatment. The portrait was taken by Kate herself in Windsor in the last few days, and the royal couple decided to release the photo to acknowledge well-wishers who wished Prince Louis a happy birthday.

Why this matters: The authenticity questions surrounding the birthday photo emphasize the increasing scrutiny faced by the royal family in the digital age. The controversy also highlights the challenges of balancing public expectations with the need for privacy, especially during times of personal health struggles.

Despite the palace's assurance that the new photo of Prince Louis has not been edited, the image remains under heavy scrutiny due to the previous photo-editing controversy. "The unedited photo of Louis was eventually released without incident, and it is hoped that this will set a new protocol for the release of birthday photos of the Wales children going forward," a royal expert noted.

Key Takeaways

• Prince Louis' 6th birthday portrait raises authenticity questions.
• Princess Kate recently apologized for a photoshopped Mother's Day image.
• Princess Kate and King Charles III are receiving cancer treatment.
• The birthday portrait was released earlier than usual for privacy.
• The royal family faces increased scrutiny over edited photos in the digital age.