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.
