Glaring detail in Kate Middleton’s post-surgery photo ignites furore

Kate Middleton’s annual Mother’s Day photo with her children, released over the weekend, has sparked three separate conspiracies.

Critics of the royal family aren’t buying that the latest snap of Kate Middleton – released Sunday on Mother’s Day in the UK – is “real”.

The Princess of Wales, 42, was pictured with her three children in the first official photograph released by the palace since she underwent abdominal surgery.

However, people were quick to suggest the image “looked like AI” or seemed to be “Photoshopped”.

“That looks like an AI photo … not one for the theories either but come on, that’s not a real photo … Idk doesn’t seem real,” one person theorised on Instagram.

“AI is that you?” another chimed in, echoing the sentiment.

“Are there leaves and green grass this time of year in England?” a third person wrote, insinuating the image was an old photo taken prior to the winter.

But that wasn’t the only detail in an image that sparked three separate conspiracies.

Royal fans suggested a new photo of Kate Middleton “looked like AI”. Picture: The Prince of Wales/Instagram

Others pointed out the mum of three wasn’t wearing her wedding ring, more than a decade after she and Prince William, 41, said “I do”.

“WHERE’S YOUR RING??! 💍” one fan commented, while another speculated, “no ring, tree in full bloom in winter, jeans after major abdomial [sic] surgery, face shape completely different from car photo.”

A third follower added, “What is going on??? She’s so weak she can’t stand and to make a public appearance she has had to wrap herself in her children like a blanket She’s frail … what on earth has happened??”

Kate was wearing the iconic diamond and sapphire heirloom, which once belonged to Princess Diana, in last year’s Mother’s Day snap.

The Princess of Wales, Catherine, with Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte in last year’s snap. Picture: Matt Porteous

Meanwhile, eagle-eyed royal watchers also noticed something unusual about Prince Louis in the photo.

Louis, who turns six next month and frequently steals the show at public appearances, can be seen crossing the fingers of his right hand.

Some social media users speculated the young royal is sending a secret message, or that the unusual hand pose is proof that the image is AI generated.

But other royal fans have slammed the speculation: “I’m tired of people playing Dr Google & trying to diagnose Prince Louis,” posted one fan on X, formerly Twitter. “Saying something isn’t right or he’s making signs with his fingers. He’s a child, he’s happy, healthy, well loved, and that’s all that matters. I’m thankful for the pictures and moments we do get to see him”.

Kate's official 2024 Mother's Day photograph (left) created chatter around Louis’ crossed fingers, and Kate seemingly not wearing her famous engagement ring (seen clearly in a previous Mother’s Day photograph, right).

In the snap, Middleton sat in a chair at the family’s home in Windsor, surrounded by her and Prince William’s three kids: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.

“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” the St Andrews alum captioned the Instagram post, referencing her lengthy absence from the public eye.

“Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day,” she added, signing off with a cheerful “C.”

The pic was released just a few days after the brunette beauty was photographed in the passenger seat of a black Audi SUV beside her mother, Carole Middleton, as they drove near Windsor Castle.

Prior to that, Middleton had not been seen since December 25, 2023, when she stepped out with her husband and kids for a Christmas Day church service.

Kensington Palace later explained that she had undergone a “planned abdominal surgery” on January 16, 2024.

“The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery,” a spokesperson said in a statement at the time.

This article was originally published by Page Six and reproduced with permission