Prince William and Kate Middleton
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's titles date back to the 1660s and Prince William is only the eighth royal to carry this dukedom.
(Photo: REUTERS/Henry Nicholls /Pool)

The recent Christmas family photo released by Prince William and Kate Middleton has stirred a flurry of speculations among royal enthusiasts. The photograph, shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales' social media account, has been scrutinized for potential Photoshop errors, particularly concerning Prince Louis' seemingly missing finger and the obscured legs of the Duke and Duchess.

The black and white image, depicting the family in casual attire, captures a seemingly happy moment. However, sharp-eyed observers were quick to notice anomalies. Some royal followers expressed concern over Prince Louis' hand resting on the chair's arm, suggesting that he appeared to be missing a finger. Comments flooded in, with one individual remarking, "Louis is missing a finger; this has got to be the worst Photoshopped pic ever."

Yet, not all were convinced of a digital mishap. Several fans and a royal source have clarified that the young prince's hand was merely spread out, causing an optical illusion. "His fingers are splayed with space between his middle and ring fingers," one defender explained, assuring that there was no loss of digit in reality.

 

Another point of contention in the photograph was the apparent disappearance of Kate Middleton's second leg and Prince William's left leg. Critics puzzled over the missing limbs, with one commenter suggesting, "Prince William's left leg should be visible in the chair opening unless he's trying to do a split?" Nonetheless, it's plausible that Prince William's wide stance and Kate Middleton's positioning obscured the visibility of their other legs.

Despite these minor controversies, many admirers of the royal family commended the couple for sharing their personal moments. Fans described the photograph as a "fabulous picture" and extended their Christmas greetings to the family.

The discussion around the photo also raised a semantic debate, with some suggesting that the term 'Christmas card' might be a misnomer given the lack of traditional festive elements and color in the picture. They proposed that it would be more aptly described as a family portrait.

This blend of admiration and scrutiny reflects the intense public interest in the lives of the royal family, where even a simple family photograph can become a subject of national conversation. The photo, intended to share a slice of royal life with the public, has inadvertently turned into a puzzle for eagle-eyed fans and a testament to the scrutiny faced by public figures in the digital age.

Regardless of the debates over its composition, the photograph stands as a cherished glimpse into the private world of one of the world's most watched families, capturing a moment of togetherness and joy. As the royal source reassured, there is no cause for alarm regarding Prince Louis' hand, and the family continues to be a source of fascination and intrigue for their global audience.