Blake Lively issues apology for 'Photoshop mishap' following news of Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis

By M Muzamil Shami

"Today, that post fills me with mortification," the actress expressed on social media.

Blake Lively apologizes for her royal mistake.

After learning about Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis, the actress known for her roles in Gossip Girl and A Simple Favor took to social media on Friday to issue an apology. She expressed regret for previously making light of the Princess of Wales' recent photo-editing mistake.

"I know it might not matter much now, but I feel compelled to address this," Lively expressed in her Instagram stories. "I recently shared a lighthearted post amidst the 'photoshop fails' trend, and looking back, I'm truly embarrassed by it. I apologize. Wishing everyone love and positivity, as always."

While not explicitly naming Princess Catherine, Lively's remarks unmistakably alluded to a now-removed post she had shared in response to a trending phenomenon showcasing heavily edited images. This trend emerged amidst the controversy surrounding a digitally manipulated photograph of Catherine and her three children, which Kensington Palace had released on Mother's Day in the U.K.

      Blake Lively and Kate Middleton in a photograph by Kevin Mazur/WireImage and Visionhaus/Getty

Following the removal of the photo by the Associated Press and various news agencies, speculation regarding Catherine's condition surged. Likewise, there was a flurry of jokes circulating about the edited image and the subsequent apology issued by the princess. Her apology stated, "Similar to many amateur photographers, I occasionally dabble in editing. I wish to extend my apologies for any confusion caused by the family photograph we shared yesterday."

Numerous onlookers, among them Lively, swiftly joined the conversation by posting their own significantly modified images alongside Catherine's apology.

Following weeks of escalating rumors, speculation, and conspiracy theories, the Princess of Wales took to video on Friday to disclose that her earlier announced abdominal surgery had uncovered cancer. She has commenced a course of chemotherapy treatment in response.