Prince William has appeared in public for the first time since the row over royal photographs broke out.
The Prince of Wales will join the Queen and members of the royal family at engagements celebrating Commonwealth Day on Monday in what is one of the key royal events of the year.
However, it has been overshadowed by controversy over a Mother's Day photograph of his wife and three children, which marked the Princess of Wales's first official photograph since she underwent abdominal surgery in January.
Kate Middleton was forced to apologize for “any confusion” caused and admitted to editing the image after widespread speculation that it had been manipulated culminated in major news agencies removing the photo.
He apologized with a statement on social media that read: “Like many amateur photographers, I experiment with editing from time to time.
“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion caused by the family photograph we shared yesterday.
“I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C.”
(AP)
The photo was the first published since the princess's abdominal surgery and was published by the Palace on the occasion of Mother's Day.
But hours later, international film agencies and the UK's PA news agency on Monday pulled it with a “Kill” notice over suspicions it had been manipulated.
Despite calls for the original to be published, Kensington Palace said it would not reissue the unedited photograph of Kate and her children.
The Palace faced increasing pressure over the debacle and the controversy was seen as damaging to public confidence in the royal family.
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Kensington Palace confirmed that the Princess of Wales left Windsor in a car with the Prince of Wales as William was driven to the Commonwealth Day service in London.
Kate will not be attending the service but is understood to have a private appointment.
At the event, Prince William was seen greeting Edward with a friendly pat on the arm and a kiss on both cheeks, before chatting with his aunts and uncle.
As Camilla approached, William was seen greeting his stepmother before moving forward to kiss her on both cheeks.
(Henry Nicholls/PA Wire)
They smiled and chatted as they stood side by side ready for the national anthem to play.
A Commonwealth Day reception will follow at Marlborough House.
The King will be absent from the event as he continues to receive treatment for cancer during what has been a challenging start to 2024 for the Windsors.
Protesters from the Republic campaign group holding banners such as “Down with the Crown” stand near the event at Westminster Abbey.
Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, said: “The royals must stop using the Commonwealth as a vehicle for their own public relations.
“The platitudes we hear from Charles and Camilla only serve to paper over serious concerns about human rights abuses and the lack of democracy in many Commonwealth countries.”
Additional PA Reports
