‘Katespiracy’ explodes after UK royal photo gaffe

The Princess of Wales on March 11 apologised and admitted to editing an official portrait of her released by the palace that prompted AFP and other agencies to withdraw the altered image. Kensington Palace, however, said it would not republish the original, unedited photo. — AFP

WASHINGTON: The picture was meant to douse speculation about the whereabouts and health of Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, but instead her manipulated image unleashed a torrent of Internet-breaking rumours and conspiracy theories.

The storm in the royal tea pot erupted after Kate, 42, on March 11 apologised and admitted to editing a palace-issued photograph of herself with her three children after the altered image was withdrawn by news agencies including AFP.