Were Any Of These 2022 Royal Family Pictures Photoshopped Too?
In the wake of the furor surrounding the most recent official image of Catherine, Princess of Wales and her kids, you might be forgiven for wondering: were these pictures real, or were they, at least in part, just what people want you to see? Of course, there's a world of difference between images sent out in a news release as a public relations exercise, and moments captured in public by the press and then relayed to the world at large. And there's no denying that on reflection, 2022 was an unforgettable year for the British royal family. It started with the ultimate high of celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. But then September 8, 2022, became one of the most momentous dates in modern history when the Queen passed away after 70 years and 214 days on the throne. And to cap off the year, Harry and Meghan dropped a tell-all documentary that re-opened some pretty big old wounds. So in a year when everything changed for the royal family, here's a look back at the most striking images of the Windsors across those 12 months. Judge for yourselves to what extent any of them were staged, or digitally adjusted after the fact!
Royal rugby
When: February 2
Kate Middleton may be a princess now, but that hasn't curbed her ability to let loose and have some fun. Early in 2022, she got together with the England rugby team during a training session to take part in their lineout drills. She was all smiles as members of the team hoisted her up into the air. And that's good news, as she became the patron of the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union after Harry ditched his royal duties.
Cuddles with Candy
When: February 4
It's a common misconception that Queen Elizabeth II only had eyes for corgis. Although she reportedly had over 30 of the breed throughout her lifetime, the Queen can be seen here with Candy the dorgi. "What is a dorgi?" we hear you cry! Well, it's a mixture of a dachshund and a Pembrokeshire Welsh corgi. Candy doesn't seem too fussed about the memorabilia from the Queen's Golden and Platinum Jubilees, but she sure is cute!
Elizabeth’s wish
When: February 10
Early in 2022, Camilla Parker Bowles got a piece of news she may have always secretly wanted to hear. Marking 70 years of her rule, Queen Elizabeth II announced in February, “When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife, Camilla, the same support that you have given me, and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.” This photo was taken three days after the public heard Her Majesty's announcement.
Slide like nobody's watching
When: February 22
Who says LEGO is just for kids? When Kate visited the LEGO Foundation PlayLab in Copenhagen, Denmark, she really let out her inner child. And fans who are used to seeing a demure duchess got a real treat watching her let down her hair as she slid down a slide in the name of work.
