In a surprisingly direct move, Kensington Palace has released a statement denying that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, had received "baby Botox", calling the claims "categorically not true".
The statement came after a side-by-side comparison of the Duchess was circulated online, suggesting that she had been receiving cosmetic treatments.
Originally shared by Dr. MediSpa - a cosmetic clinic in Essex - but now deleted, the photo set showed one image of Middleton with lines around her eyes, and another where they appeared far less visible.
Dr. Munir Somji, the Chief Medical Officer of the clinic, wrote in the caption: "Our Kate loves a bit of baby Botox."
"Note the reduction of fine lines on the forehead. But also note the depression of the medial (middle part) brow but elevation of the lateral tail of the brow", he added.
"Baby Botox" is a well-established micro-trend in cosmetic treatments, involves using a lower volume of Botox to smooth fine lines and wrinkles in an effort to avoid the "frozen" appearance that sometimes occurs after a standard full-volume dose of Botox.
By using smaller doses in extremely specific and specially targeted places - such as around the lip line, on crow's feet or on the forehead - trained aesthetic physicians can create a more natural look, personalised for each client.
These "tweakments" are smaller treatments administered over a longer period of time and are used to improve appearance. As they don't require invasive surgeries, they are growing in popularity. They can also be used to prevent lines occurring.
Responses, from Instagram followers and the Palace itself, were quick.
In their statement to the New York Post, which covered the incident, Kensington Palace called the claims "categorically not true", adding that "The Royal Family never endorse commercial activity" - one of the many rules that royals are bound by.
When asked by the publication if the Duchess was a client of their's, Dr. MediSpa replied: "We wouldn't be able to disclose whether she is a client or not. We have non-disclosure agreements where we can’t disclose our high-end clients. We absolutely can’t comment at all that she has come to us."
