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Oh no they didn't? Newsweek's latest issue features a photo of Kate Middleton and a super-imposed and digitally-aged image of Princess Diana ... who would have turned 50 this Friday.

The LA Times is referring to the photo and story as "Shocking, brilliant or just plain cheap?"

Aside from the controversial cover, the accompanying article talks about Diana's would-be Facebook page, how she'd probably be a big fan of shows like The Real Housewives of New York ... and that she'd be hanging with Hollywood royalty like David and Victoria Beckham.

Ironically, the Newsweek issue hits stands the same week that William and Kate are visiting North America. Coincidence? We think not.

Find out when the newlyweds will be in Southern California ... after the jump.