Major picture agencies pull new royal photo of Kate amid ‘Photoshop’ criticism

Three of the world’s largest photo agencies have issued a “mandatory kill notice” on Kate Middleton’s latest family photo amid frenzied speculation the image is “Photoshopped”.

The photo, which was taken by her husband William, marked the first time the Princess of Wales had spoken out publicly since her “planned” major abdominal op in January.

“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day,” Kate wrote in the caption.

But eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to point out a number of inconsistencies with the image, including the fact eight-year-old Charlotte’s hand did not line up with her red jumper sleeve.

The Associated Press said the reason for deleting the photo was “at closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image”.

AFP cited an “editorial issue” as the reason for withdrawing the photo from its systems, while Getty Images did the same for “editorial reasons”.

It is standard practice for picture agencies to withdraw edited images.
 

After a two-month disappearance from the public eye, Kate was seen for the first time since her hospital operation last week.

She was in the passenger seat as her mum Carole drove her near Windsor Castle.

The last time the Princess was seen in public was Christmas Day, December 25 last year, when she and husband Prince William took their three children to a church service.

The new portrait from the Princess of Wales on Instagram has been flooded with comments suggesting it has been digitally altered.

“This tree looks autumn, not spring. I don’t think this photo is current,” one person wrote.

“It is strange that she is not wearing her wedding ring … especially for this photo that they had to release to stop the rumours … they wouldn’t miss that detail … it is either an old photo that wasn’t taken to release for this purpose or something up with their marriage …” a second speculated.

“Is this photo from today? Can they add a newspaper from today’s date?” a third joked.

However, supporters labelled it the “perfect photo” and shared their joy at seeing the Princess after her surgery.

ITV News royal editor Chris Ship shared a series of cropped sections of the photo on X, formerly Twitter, of what “appears to be the issues”, including Charlotte’s sleeve, Louis’ jumper and the background behind his leg.

“I’ve never been much of a conspiracy theorist but if @AP @AFP @Reuters & other picture agencies are concerned enough to remove it and ask clients to delete it, there are serious questions for Kensington Palace – which was the source of the photo,” he wrote.