Getty Images fuels online controversy with editor’s note on Kate’s cancer diagnosis video

Getty Images, a visual media company, has faced scrutiny after adding an editor’s note to Kensington Palace’s video of Kate Middleton announcing her cancer diagnosis.

The note, discovered on Monday, triggered online reactions, arriving after recent controversies regarding the release of edited photos by the royal family.

A Mother’s Day photo of Kate with her children was withdrawn by international agencies as the palace admitted it had been digitally altered.

The added note on Getty's version of the video stated, "This handout clip was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images’ editorial policy."

Users on X continued to raise concerns about why Getty would cast doubt on the legitimacy of the video, with some mentioning speculation around the video being AI-generated.

While Getty initially remained silent on the matter, they later stated that such disclaimers are standard practice for content sourced from third-party entities, such as Kensington Palace in this instance.

Meanwhile, updates from the palace revealed that BBC Studios had recorded the video of Kate's cancer announcement just two days prior to its release on March 20. BBC Studios confirmed their involvement through a brief statement, extending well wishes for the Princess's recovery.