Kate Middleton defended by fans as she breaks from Mother’s Day photo 'tradition'
The Princess of Wales was embroiled in controversy last Mother's DayKate Middleton celebrated Mother’s Day in the UK at the weekend, but it’s sparked a debate among fans.
Every March, members of the royal family mark the celebration. The Princess of Wales has previously shared family photos to mark the occasion.
But last year, Kate, 43, found herself embroiled in controversy over an edited family snap she shared on Mother’s Day. She posted it during a time where conspiracy theories were swirling about her whereabouts as she hadn’t been seen since Christmas Day 2023. She had undergone abdominal surgery in January 2024.
Just a couple of weeks later, Kate Middleton shared her cancer diagnosis publicly.
Kate Middleton marks Mother’s Day 2025 after photo scandal
For this year, Kate posted a stunning video showcasing nature. Some of the footage seemed to be shots of Kate, Prince William and their children’s summer break in Norfolk last year.
In September 2024, Kate had shared a family video from their summer break as she announced the end of her cancer treatment.
Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary.
The new clip on Sunday (March 30) showed woodland and forests and other forms of nature.
Alongside it, Kate wrote: “Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary. This Mother’s Day, let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognise how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life. C.”
Princess Kate breaks from tradition with Mother’s Day post
Fans quickly shared their thoughts, with many wishing Kate a happy Mother’s Day. Others noticed she hadn’t shared a family picture to mark the occasion, like she has done for the past two years.
She shared a family picture in 2023, and again last year.
One person said: “You’re all waiting for a photo but looks like we’ll have to settle for mother nature instead.”
However, others defended Kate’s decision and said the uproar from last year’s Mother Day photo may have been behind the move.
One replied: “After the debacle last year, I do not blame them for not posting one.”
Another added: “After how everyone behaved last year, I wouldn’t be surprised if she never shared one again – and I couldn’t blame her one bit!”
Meanwhile, a third wrote: “They’ve always done something different every year. Even before last year it wasn’t precedent to post a new picture of her with the kids every single year.”
Another said: “At least they can’t crucify her this time. Damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t.”
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Kate Middleton’s Mother’s Day photo scandal
So what actually happened with Kate on Mother’s Day 2024? To mark Mother’s Day on March 10 last year, the princess shared a photo of herself with her three kids – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
At first glance, it looked like a sweet family picture taken in their garden. However, upon closer inspection, fans began noticing a series of mistakes in the picture. These included Kate’s hands and her hair being blurry.
It came at a time when many were theorising over Kate’s whereabouts as she hadn’t been seen since Christmas Day 2023.
Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 11, 2024
As speculation about the princess went into overdrive, she spoke out. In a statement, Kate apologised for the photo and admitted she had edited it.
She said: “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”
Then on March 22, Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message. She underwent treatment and completed it later in the year. She’s now in remission and slowly returning to duties.
What do you think of Kate’s Mother’s Day post? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
