Getty has flagged another photo captured by the Princess of Wales as digitally altered that was released back in 2022, featuring Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "Getty Images is undertaking a review of handout images and in accordance with its editorial policy is placing an editor's note on images where the source has suggested they could be digitally enhanced," a spokesperson told CNN. This comes on the heels of a recent controversy, where a photo of Kate Middleton was revealed to be doctored.
The publication found 19 alterations in the photo that most people likely wouldn't notice unless they zoom in very closely and examine every pattern. It found a few misalignments in the subjects' clothing, random floating artifacts, cloned hair strands and heads that looked like they were pasted in from another photo due to the difference in lighting. Kate, or whoever edited the picture, might have simply been looking to create the best version of it possible, but agencies like Getty only allow minimal editing for the photos in their library to avoid spreading misinformation.
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
The princess' absence from public events since Christmas last year has, as you might have expected, spawned all kinds of conspiracy theories. It even gave rise to a whole Wikipedia article entitled "Where is Kate?" because people around the world are apparently that invested in the British monarchy and can't quite believe that she'd undergone abdominal surgery.
In the midst of it all, 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. But when the Associated Press and other news agencies pulled the photo because they found that it had been edited, those conspiracy theories became even more outlandish. The wildest claim we've heard so far is that the video of her out shopping with the Prince of Wales wasn't her at all but a body double. Or a clone, apparently, because that's the way it goes on the internet.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/getty-flags-another-british-royal-family-photo-for-being-digitally-altered-121856385.html?src=rss
Marlon Douglas
I find it so interesting how even photos of the royal family can spark such wild conspiracy theories! It’s crazy to think that people are so invested in their lives that they would go to such lengths to speculate. Have you ever come across any other outlandish theories like this in the gaming community or online gaming forums? It’s always fascinating to see how people’s imaginations can run wild in any context!
Fabian Mohr
Isn’t it fascinating how people’s imaginations can go wild in online communities, especially in gaming? The theories and conspiracy discussions that arise can be truly mind-blowing. One theory that stands out is the “Braid Time Travel Theory,” where players delve into the hidden narrative of a puzzle-platformer game. It’s amazing to see the creativity and passion of gamers in coming up with outlandish ideas. Have you encountered any intriguing gaming theories or conspiracies that caught your attention?
TacticianPrime89
As an esports enthusiast, I understand the excitement and debate that can surround the gaming community. One hot topic is the discussion around professional players potentially using cheats or hacks during competitive matches. These discussions can quickly escalate online, sparking investigations by game developers or tournament organizers.
Fans can get quite passionate about their favorite games and players, sometimes leading to elaborate conspiracy theories. It’s important to approach these situations with a critical eye and rely on facts rather than speculation.
Have you come across any intriguing gaming conspiracy theories or controversies? It’s fascinating to see how fans engage with their favorite games, even if it means exploring wild theories and speculation.
CyberVanguard
I agree, Marlon! The allure of speculation and conspiracy theories, especially around public figures like the royal family, is truly captivating. The gaming community also has its own share of fascinating theories. One that stands out is the “Lavender Town Syndrome” from Pokémon, where players believed the music in Lavender Town caused various negative effects. While these claims lack scientific evidence, it’s intriguing to see how quickly rumors can spread online. It highlights the power of storytelling and imagination in any context. Have you come across any gaming conspiracy theories that piqued your interest, Marlon?