The Royal Family released a photo of Kate Middleton and her three kids on March 10, but it was removed by several international news agencies over concerns that it may have been altered.
According to the Mirror, the decision was made by the “world’s biggest photo agencies” on March 10. They are the Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP), and Getty Images.
The photo agencies raised concern that the photo was “edited from the original,” The Mirror reported.
People are worried about Princess Diana’s health after her abdominal surgery in January. Their worries increased when Prince William suddenly withdrew from a memorial service, and because Kate hasn't been seen, except for one blurry photo of her in a car with her mother that was published by TMZ. TMZ released the photo.After the palace released the new photo of Middleton and the three children, social media users identified what they believe are photoshop or editing mistakes in the picture.
The photo was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official X page on March 10. The post reads: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.” the post says.
Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.
Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day. C
📸 The Prince of Wales, 2024 pic.twitter.com/6DywGBpLLQ
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 10, 2024
Here’s what you need to know:
The Associated Press issued a kill notification for the photo, stating that it ‘appears the source has manipulated the image’
The AP’s notification reads, “immediate action needed.”
It says, “Clients please be advised that the following story has been killed and should no longer be used.”
It then listed a story about Kate’s new photo. “The reason for killing the story: At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent.”
According to a statement posted on the Kensington Palace website on January 17, “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery.”
Kensington Palace’s news release said she will “remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days.” The Princess has since been released from the hospital, and the palace has clamped down on information, never releasing the type of condition that sparked the surgery.
According to CBS News, the AP elaborated, “At closer inspection, it appeared the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet AP’s photo standards. The photo shows an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.”
In late February, Kensington Palace insisted the Princess of Wales was “doing well,” CBS News reported.
According to the New York Times, which deleted the photo, “Catherine was not seen leaving the London Clinic, in the city’s Marylebone neighborhood, on Jan. 29, where she had spent 13 days after the surgery. There were no pictures of her being visited in the hospital by her husband or children, and there was only a single shot of William driving near the hospital during that period.”
People on social media have been raising questions about the photo
People on social media have been pointing out flaws in the photo, suggesting that it may have been created using AI or Photoshop.
Some users on social media think they noticed a Photoshop mistake involving Princess Charlotte’s sleeve.
Others observed problems with Kate’s blurry hand and hair, as well as Charlotte’s hair.
These are the inconsistencies I've noticed about the #KateMiddleton photograph. I've lightened the shadows to better demonstrate. pic.twitter.com/N99yrrCcdP
— Johnny Galuva (@JohnnyGaluva) March 10, 2024
One X user thought Prince George’s forearm appeared overly long.
Some individuals made jests about the situation on X.
ITV News Editor Chris Shipp stated on X that Kensington Palace has not responded to the actions of the photo agencies or the allegations that the photo was altered.
