In a recent development, Getty Images has flagged yet another photo from the British Royal Family as digitally altered.
The photo in question, captured by the Princess of Wales and released in 2022, features Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A spokesperson for Getty Images stated that the company is currently reviewing handout images and, by its editorial policy, is placing an editor’s note on images that are suspected to be digitally enhanced.
This incident comes shortly after a controversy surrounding a doctored photo of Kate Middleton. The publication discovered 19 alterations in the photo, which would likely go unnoticed unless closely examined.
These alterations included misalignments in the subjects’ clothing, random floating artefacts, cloned hair strands, and heads that appeared to be pasted in from another photo due to differences in lighting.
While it is possible that Kate or the individual who edited the picture aimed to create the best version possible, agencies like Getty Images only allow minimal editing for the photos in their library to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Since Christmas last year, the Princess of Wales has been absent from public events, sparking a multitude of conspiracy theories. The speculation surrounding her absence has reached such a level that it even led to the creation of a Wikipedia article titled “Where is Kate?”
It seems that people around the world are deeply invested in the British monarchy and find it difficult to believe that she may have undergone abdominal surgery or have personal reasons for her absence.
Amidst the ongoing speculation, William’s and Kate’s social media accounts posted the aforementioned doctored photo of the Princess of Wales with her children on Mother’s Day in the UK.
However, when the Associated Press and other news agencies discovered that the photo had been edited, the conspiracy theories became even more outlandish.
Today would have been Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 97th birthday.
This photograph – showing her with some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren – was taken at Balmoral last summer.
📸 The Princess pic.twitter.com/1FOU4Ne5DX
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 21, 2023
One of the wildest claims circulating on the internet is that the video of Kate out shopping with the Prince of Wales was not her, but a body double or a clone.
While these claims may seem far-fetched, they highlight the extent to which conspiracy theories can proliferate in the age of social media and instant information sharing.
The controversy surrounding digitally altered photos of the British Royal Family raises important questions about the authenticity and trustworthiness of media content.
In an era where images can be easily manipulated, news agencies and media organizations must uphold high standards of integrity.
Getty Images decision to flag and disclose digitally altered photos is a step towards maintaining transparency and ensuring that viewers are aware of any modifications made to an image.
By adhering to strict editorial policies, Getty Images aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain the credibility of its library.
It is also essential for consumers of media to be critical and discerning. While it is natural to be curious about the lives of public figures, it is important to approach rumours and conspiracy theories with scepticism.
Verifying information from reliable sources and fact-checking can help combat the spread of false narratives.
