Prince William Praises Wife Kate Middleton as ‘The Arty One’ Amid Photoshop Scandal

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend a ceremonial welcome, at Horse Guards Parade, for the President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea on day 1 of their state visit on November 21, 2023 in London, England.

Prince William is praising Kate Middleton’s artistic abilities just days after news agencies pulled a photo of his wife and their three children because the image appeared to have been manipulated.

The picture was the first that Kensington Palace released since the Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery in January. But royal watchers quickly noticed signs that the photo had been edited, fueling speculation that the princess is “missing.”

Four days after the palace posted the photo on social media in recognition of Mother’s Day, which the U.K. celebrated on March 10, the Prince of Wales was visiting a youth center in west London when his family’s artistic abilities came up in conversation.

In a video clip shared online by Sky News, William was seen helping kids decorate cookies when an adult out of frame praised his efforts. William quickly refuted the praise, saying his decorating skills were “really not that impressive.”

“My wife is the arty one,” he said, later adding that his children are also “artier than I am.”

Related: Video of Kate Middleton Discussing the Power of Proper Photography Resurfaces Amid Editing Scandal

Kate’s artistic endeavors have come under scrutiny since the photo scandal, now known as “#KateGate,” erupted. After news agencies pulled the March 10 photo from circulation, the palace released a statement attributed to the princess in which she identified herself as an “amateur” photographer who “occasionally” tries her hand at editing.

“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused,” the statement added.

Despite the swirl of conspiracy theories that have surrounded Kate since her surgery in January, William has continued executing his public royal duties and has appeared to brush off the rumors.

King Charles III, who is dealing with his own health issues following his cancer diagnosis last month, also “isn’t too concerned” about the photo scandal, though he is being “kept abreast” of the situation, a Buckingham Palace source told Harper’s Bazaar.

Next: Prince William Officially Speaks Out About Theories Surrounding Kate Middleton's Health