KUALA LUMPUR – A slew of news agencies, including the Associated Press (AP), AFP and Reuters, have pulled the first official photo of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, that was released since her abdominal surgery in January, claiming the image has been manipulated.
The photo released by Kensington Palace to mark Mother’s Day in Britain shows a smiling Catherine sitting on a garden chair, dressed in jeans, a sweater and a dark jacket, surrounded by her three children, George, Charlotte and Louis.
“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day,” read a message accompanying the photo that was posted on X.
The message was also signed off with a “C” for Catherine.
In a statement, the palace said the photo was taken in Windsor earlier this week by the princess’ husband, Prince William.
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
However, AFP in a note to its wire clients, said: “It has come to light that the handout issued by Kensington Palace today of Kate and the kids had been altered, therefore it was withdrawn from AFP systems”.
“Mandatory kill. Due to an editorial issue this photo by the Prince of Wales has been withdrawn … and may no longer be used in any manner. Please immediately remove it from all your online services, stop using it in any other fashion and delete it from your servers,” AFP added.
Meanwhile, the AP said: “At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image”.
An AP spokesperson also told British publication the Telegraph that the photo showed inconsistencies in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.
Kensington Palace has declined to comment.
Catherine, 42, has been recovering mainly at home in Windsor, since leaving hospital on January 29. She was hospitalised at the London Clinic on January 16 for an abdominal surgery.
The future queen was caught by paparazzi recently while she was in a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton near Windsor Castle.
Buckingham Palace had said Catherine would not be able to resume her official duties until Easter, which is at the end of March.
Details about the princess’ health were not disclosed, and the palace would not provide a running commentary on her recovery.
The British royal family has been wrought with health challenges as King Charles III was recently diagnosed with cancer. – March 11, 2024