The first official photo of Kate, Princess of Wales since her abdominal surgery has been recalled by major picture agencies over fears of “digital manipulation”, according to multiple reports.
The image, of Kate with her children George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5, was published overnight (AEDT) on the Prince and Princess of Wales Instagram channel for UK Mother’s Day.
But Associated Press, AFP, Reuters, and Getty Images have all now issued a “kill notice” for the photo, claiming it had been manipulated and that it would be deleted from their libraries.
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Media outlets rely on subscription photo services provided by the agencies to supply them with stock photos for stories, including on the royals.
“At closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image,” a notice from the Associated Press read.
According to reports, AP pointed out the photo had an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.
The official Instagram of the Prince and Princess of Wales still has the disputed photo displayed on the page.
Kensington Palace has not responded publicly to the fracas over the newly-released image, which was taken by William, Prince of Wales, according to the photo caption.
The Princess captioned the post: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C”
Princess Kate looked to be in good health in the image.
A number of Instagram users were quick to slam the photo, saying it appeared to have been doctored.
The photo of the Princess is the first released since she was admitted to the London Clinic — the private hospital where the King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate — for a planned operation on January 16.
Ironically, the image was likely released in a bid to quell wild conspiracy theories about Kate’s condition spreading online.
Charles, 75, visited his daughter-in-law’s bedside after being admitted himself on January 26, the 11th day of Kate’s stay.
She was also visited by her husband, William.
Kate left the hospital on January 29, almost two weeks later, and returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Details of the Princess’s condition have not been revealed, but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.
Kate is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.
William, 41, 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.
Kate’s siblings Pippa and James Middleton and parents Carole and Michael Middleton were never publicly seen visiting Kate in hospital in London.