The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, and her husband, Prince Edward, have found themselves embroiled in controversy just ahead of the royal family's Christmas reunion at Sandringham.
The couple's annual Christmas card, which recreated an iconic photograph of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, has sparked debate after it was revealed the image was digitally manipulated. The Edinburghs flipped their original photo to closely resemble the historic shot of the late royal couple.
Accompanying the image, they issued a personal message that read: "The Edinburghs at Villa Guardamangia, Valetta in Malta, some 75 years apart."
This revelation has drawn comparisons to a similar controversy earlier in the year, when Sophie’s close royal ally, Princess Kate, faced criticism for a Mother's Day photo accused of being "digitally altered."
Sophie, once lauded as the royal family’s "secret weapon," now faces scrutiny for following in Catherine’s footsteps with her 2024 Christmas card.
The controversy adds an unexpected twist to the festive season, overshadowing the Edinburghs’ tribute to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s legacy. Whether the card’s intentions will be seen as a heartfelt homage or a misstep remains a topic of heated discussion among royal watchers.
