Royal Photo Controversy: Princess Of Wales Kate's Image Retracted Amid Manipulation Concerns

Four photo agencies have retracted the picture of the Princess of Wales due to concerns that it has been "manipulated".

Initially issued by Kensington Palace for Mother's Day and taken by Prince William, the image depicted Catherine with their three children.

Royal Photo Controversy On Kate - Here's what we know

Associated Press was the first to withdraw the image, citing that it "did not meet" their photo standards, noting an "inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte's left hand". Kensington Palace has declined to comment on the matter.

The photo, showing Princess Kate surrounded by Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Prince George, with the latter wrapping his arms around her, marked the first official photo of the Princess of Wales since her abdominal surgery two months prior, during which she has remained out of the public eye, as reported by BBC.

The image was accompanied by a message from Catherine thanking them for the support received over the past two months and wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day. The royal couple regularly releases their photos of special family occasions, mostly taken by Catherine and distributed to the media with usage instructions.

Despite being featured on several national newspapers, websites, and TV news bulletins, the photo was later retracted by Associated Press, Reuters, AFP, and Getty Images. PA Media, however, did not retract the image but sought urgent clarification from Kensington Palace regarding the manipulation concerns, as reported by BBC.

Most news organizations adhere to strict guidelines regarding the use of manipulated photographs, with news agencies like AP committing to providing accurate, unaltered images. KateKate, aged 42, spent 13 nights at the London Clinic following her surgery, with little detail provided about her condition, although the Palace stated it was not cancer-related.

Updates on her recovery will only be provided when significant new information arises. The photo, initially expected to address speculations surrounding her absence from the public eye, instead fueled social media discussions regarding potential manipulations in the image.

Disclaimer: This photo is believed to be digitally altered and as a result, many major news outlets have pulled the image from their reports.