Kensington Palace has remained silent over claims the Princess of Wales’ Mother’s Day photo was "manipulated".
It was the first official photo of Kate Middleton that has been released since she underwent abdominal surgery in January this year at the London Clinic.
The photo of Kate and her three children published on social media by the palace is said to have been taken by the Prince of Wales in Windsor earlier last week and was posted to mark Mother’s Day (March 10).
In the post, she said: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.
“Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C.”
Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 10, 2024
Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day. C
📸 The Prince of Wales, 2024 pic.twitter.com/6DywGBpLLQ
The picture shows Kate sitting in a chair with her arms around Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who are on either side of her, with Prince George standing behind, as all four smile at the camera.
Kate Middleton's Mother's Day photo removed by international picture agencies
But after the image was shared with the media on Sunday, it was withdrawn by some international picture agencies including Getty Images, AFP, Reuters and Associated Press later the same day because of concerns that the image had been “manipulated.”
This was due to speculation that edits had been made to the left sleeve of Princess Charlotte’s cardigan, and other areas of the picture also raised concerns about possible alteration.
Associated Press, issued a "kill notification" - an industry term used to make a retraction.
On the occasion of The Duke of Edinburgh’s 60th birthday tomorrow, His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to appoint His Royal Highness to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 9, 2024
📷 Chris Jelf pic.twitter.com/I3lOhaTC0N
According to the BBC, the Associated Press said: "At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent."
However, Kensington Palace has declined to comment, according to the PA news agency.
A spokesperson for the PA news agency said it had not “killed” the picture on its service, but was seeking urgent clarification from Kensington Palace about the concerns raised about “manipulation”.
Confusion over the picture has fuelled further online conspiracies about Kate’s whereabouts which have been swirling on the internet since her surgery.
Details of the princess’s condition have not been disclosed but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.
Recommended reading:
- First official picture of the Princess of Wales since abdominal surgery released
- Celebrity Big Brother's Gary Goldsmith gives health update on Princess of Wales
- Army removes Princess of Wales appearance claim on Trooping the Colour website
The 42-year-old future Queen was last pictured in public during a Christmas Day walk in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Kate is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter, and William had temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children.
He carried out his first public engagements since her surgery in early February.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel