Photo agencies pull photo of Kate Middleton over claims it was ‘manipulated’
Multiple photo agencies have pulled a photograph of Kate Middleton and her children which was shared by Kensington Palace over claims it was manipulated.
At least four international international agencies have recalled the image released today and was the first official photograph of the Princess of Wales released since her abdominal surgery in January.
The picture was shared in tweet on the KensingtonRoyal X account alongside a Motherās Day message.
Major international picture agencies including Getty Images, Associated Press, AFP and Reuters have now withdrawn the image from their archives.
Associated Press said the āsource had manipulated the imageā in a way that did not meet its standards and the photo shows an āinconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotteās left handā.
AFP said: āDue to an editorial issue this photo by Prince of Wales has been withdrawn from AFP systems and may no longer be used in any manner.ā
While Reuters said: āThis has been withdrawn following a post publication review. Please make no further use.ā
Associated Press also said in an update on its website that the picture was being ākilledā.
Its updated caption reads: āAt closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image.ā
The photo of Kate in a chair surrounded by her three children was credited to her husband, William, Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, and was said to have been taken earlier in the week in Windsor.
In the caption the Princess said: āThank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Motherās Day.ā
The release of the photo followed weeks of speculation on social media about what had happened to Kate since she left a hospital 29 January after a nearly two-week stay following planned surgery. She hadnāt been seen publicly since Christmas Day.
Kateās condition and the reason for the surgery have not been revealed, though Kensington Palace, Prince William and Kateās office said it was not cancer-related.
Although the palace initially said that it would only provide significant updates and that she would not return to royal duties before Easter ā March 31 this year.
In a statement last month the Palace said: āKensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princessā recovery and weād only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.ā
The British Army this week removed a claim on its website that the Princess of Wales will attend Trooping the Colour in June.
Tickets were being sold on the Armyās website for the 8 June military spectacle, advertising an appearance by the Princess, until late on Tuesday evening.
According to the official website, Catherine, as Colonel of the Irish Guards, was to review troops ahead of the military event on 8 June with the King due to attend the final parade on 15 June.
he announcement caused confusion as royal sources wouldnāt confirm their attendance. i understands Kensington Palace was not consulted about the web page
Kensington Palace has been contacted by i for comment.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
