Theory new Kate Middleton photo is eight years old goes viral

A social media editor’s theory about Kate Middleton’s family photo has gone viral and it is easy to see why.

Kate Middleton has admitted she was responsible for altering the first official photo of herself post-surgery.

As a result, the number of conspiracy theories circulating online has escalated – including claims old photos of the Princess were superimposed onto the Mother’s Day portrait.

One theory that a photo from Kate’s 2016 Vogue photo shoot was repurposed has been viewed more than 25 million times on X, formerly Twitter, with more than 130,000 likes.

“My analysis of the Kate Middleton photo saga is that they took her face from the Vogue cover she did years ago and edited it in,” said Ruby Naldrett, who is senior social media editor at the Daily Mirror and Daily Star.

Many fans in agreement said it was “sloppy” work and they could not understand why a prominent photo would be used.

Kate Middleton's British Vogue cover from 2016.

Identical or just similar? Social media is erupting over a theory Kate Middleton’s 2016 Vogue cover photo (right) was superimposed into her latest family snap (left)

But not everyone is convinced the similar portrait is enough evidence it is an old photo.

“This is ‘spot on’ … because it’s the same woman’s face,” wrote one user.

“Wait … are you saying a photo of Kate Middleton looks like another photo of Kate Middleton? I have no words to describe my shock at this revelation,” added another.

“It’s nothing alike. It’s just the same face with the same smile, because it’s the same person. Otherwise it’s not remotely similar,” said a third.

Four major picture agencies pulled the new photo of Kate and her children, taken by Prince William and released by Kensington Palace, over concerns it had been “manipulated”.

The Princess of Wales released an unprecedented statement copping the blame for editing the image.

“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” she said.

“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused.

“I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”

The newly released photo of Kate Middleton and her children was pulled by four major international picture agencies. Picture: Prince of Wales / Kensington Palace

The photo marked the first time Kate had spoken out publicly, or released a photo of herself, since her “planned” 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.

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

Releasing the snap has done the opposite of quelling conspiracy theories surrounding the future Queen’s whereabouts and wellbeing.

The Princess of Wales released a rare statement explaining the confusion. Picture: Instagram / @princeandprincessofwales

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

Concerned royal fans are now demanding Kensington Palace release the unedited photo.

Kensington Palace has refused to release the original photo, only confirming a single image had been doctored, not several images spliced together, The Sun reported.