The cast takes responsibility for a historical inaccuracy in the show's photo promo.
The Downton Abbey cast didn't feign ignorance when a plastic water bottle appeared in a promotional still for the show set in 1920s England. Instead, they decided to make lemonade out of their sour situation.
"The cast of Downton Abbey embraced 'water bottle-gate' today by posing for a picture to promote the work of international charity WaterAid," the show announced on its Facebook page on Aug. 16.
The Downton Abbey cast owned the show's mistake. (Facebook/Downton Abbey)
Members of the cast posed each holding a water bottle in the picture. They wanted to turn the mistake into a positive for a worthy water cause.
"After seeing the reaction the picture caused earlier this week, the cast and crew came up with the idea of turning some of this attention towards an issue around water that really matters," said an itv spokesperson.
"They hope that by posing for this picture they will be able to raise awareness and amplify the work of international charity - WaterAid."
Water Aid is a global organization that works with local partners to help communities access safe water and sanitation.
"We use practical technologies and train local people to maintain their new water and sanitation facilities so they can keep them working long into the future," reads the charity's website.
One of these things is not like the other. (Twitter)
Fans and the internet alike became suspicious of the plastic bottle sitting on the fireplace mantle behind The Earl of Grantham and his daughter Edith. Plastic bottles weren't invented until the mid-20th century, decades after the Crawley family ruled the British social scene.
Downton Abbey explained the gaffe on their Facebook page.
"The official photograph of The Earl and Lady Edith was cropped and used during the launch of the new season, but it was when an un-cropped version of the image worked its way onto the internet that it sparked a global press frenzy."
Maybe this new cast photo can create a frenzy of donations to Water Aid.
Downton Abbey returns to itv for season five later this year. Fans in the U.S. will have to wait until January to catch up with the aristocratic drama.
