An image of the Princess of Wales and her children released by Kensington Palace for Mother’s Day, March 2024, has been retracted by four international photo agencies over concerns of manipulation, sparking controversy and raising questions about its authenticity.
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The photo, taken by Prince William, depicted Princess Catherine alongside her children Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Prince George.
However, Getty Images, AFP, Reuters, and Associated Press have all pulled the image, citing an “inconsistency in alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.”
This photograph marked the first official image of the Princess of Wales since her abdominal surgery in January, 2024 and was anticipated by royal watchers.
The absence of Catherine from public appearances in recent months has only heightened interest in any images released by the palace.
The picture, shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s social media accounts, featured a message from Catherine expressing gratitude for the support received during her recovery and wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.
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Typically, the royal couple releases their own photos of special family occasions, often taken by Catherine herself.
However, before Prince William’s image was posted online, it would have undergone scrutiny by the social media team at Kensington Palace.
The retraction by major news agencies comes amid concerns that the image may have been manipulated or altered in some way.
While there is no suggestion that the entire photo is fabricated or that the Princess of Wales is more unwell than portrayed, inconsistencies in its appearance have raised doubts.
The sudden withdrawal of the image has led to speculation and further scrutiny of the palace’s handling of official photographs. It has also prompted questions about the process of vetting and approving images before their release to the public and media.
As the controversy unfolds, Kensington Palace has declined to comment on the matter, leaving the public and media outlets awaiting further clarification.
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