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

Major international picture agencies have issued a “mandatory kill” of a new picture of Kate Middleton and her children.

Four 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 operation 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 of the photo, which was also shared to the couple’s official Instagram account.

But eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to point out a number of inconsistencies with the image, including that 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”.

An AP spokesman further told The Telegraph: “The photo shows an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.”

AFP cited an “editorial issue” as the reason for withdrawing the photo from its systems, while Getty Images did the same for “editorial reasons”. Reuters also pulled the photo “following a post publication review”.

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

The British press has reported Kensington Palace has refused to comment.

The photo remains on the couple's official Instagram page. Picture: Prince of Wales / Kensington Palace

The photo remains on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram page.

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.

AP noted concerns about Charlotte’s left hand and sleeve. Picture: Prince of Wales / Kensington Palace

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

Questions included where the Princess’ wedding ring was, why the tree in the background did not look like it was from this time of year in London, and the unusual appearance of Charlotte’s sleeve.

“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.

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.
These appears to be the issues 👇 https://t.co/ifcSB9mUzupic.twitter.com/bH5gN9fJtJ

— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 10, 2024

ITV News royal editor Chris Ship shared a series of cropped sections of the photo on X, formerly Twitter, showing 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,” Ship wrote.