There is a little-talked-about disease called VIPitis, and it particularly affects those who come into contact with the vector. Close and prolonged exposure renders such people unable to function properly. Judgement is impaired as is the ability to speak up, even if there is overwhelming need to do so. The affected person tends to react in inverse proportion to need—excessive when unnecessary and vice versa. And no country or region is immune to this malaise.

The embarrassment about the photograph of the Princess of Wales with her three children, released by her husband and by Kensington Palace was probably caused by this ailment. The British heir apparent’s wife has made quite a name for herself as an amateur photographer, personally clicking family photos and releasing them to the media. However, the latest photo was taken by the Prince of Wales, clearly intent on following his wife’s cue—with disastrous consequences.

He does not seem to have the same eye for detail as his spouse: the glitches in his debut photo were promptly sighted and cited by thousands of people on social media. These included a strangle anomaly in his daughter Charlotte’s left arm, hair and skirt, his younger son Louis’ curiously positioned right hand and even the zipper on his wife’s jacket. The missing wedding and sapphire engagement rings on her left hand, however, may not have been his fault.

But more embarrassment was to follow. It emerged that while Prince William clicked the photo, the editing errors were made........

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