Prince William made his first public appearance since the controversy surrounding a family picture posted by Kate Middleton that was admittedly edited on Monday.

The 41-year-old joined Queen Camilla and other royal family members at Westminster Abbey for a service marking Commonwealth Day.

"Commonwealth Day will take place on Monday 11 March 2024, marking the beginning of a week-long series of events and activities happening around the globe - including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events," according to the official website.

The annual service is one that the Princess of Wales and King Charles III have traditionally attended, but did not this year, according to ABC News. King Charles III announced he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early February.

William's appearance is the first since four news agencies removed the Mother's Day family photo, featuring Kate and their three children, following concerns regarding digital manipulation. (Mother's Day is celebrated on March 10 in the United Kingdom.)

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"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," Kate wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, early Monday morning. "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."

On Monday, a Twitter user alleged Kate's photo from her 'Vogue' cover was used in the photo controversy.

"my analysis of the kate middleton photo saga is that they took her face from the vogue cover she did years ago and edited it in Kate's last royal engagement was on Chrismas Day when she attended the family's traditional walk," the tweet read. The post also showed side by side pictures of Kate's family photo and the May 2016 'Vogue' UK cover.

Kate was first seen since her abdominal surgery riding in the passenger seat of an SUV with her mother, Carole Middleton, last week.

Tags
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Royal family