Kate Middleton's photo pulled by agencies for being 'manipulated'

Several major news agencies have withdrawn an image distributed by Kensington Palace, featuring Kate Middleton and her children, amid claims that the photo has been manipulated.

On Sunday, the palace released a photo in celebration of Mother’s Day in the UK, showing the 42-year-old Princess of Wales smiling at the camera while her three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — stood around her. The palace stated that the photo was taken by Prince William, 41, earlier in the week at the family's residence in Windsor.

However, users on social media questioned the authenticity of the image, with some suggesting that it appeared edited or generated by AI.

In response to these concerns, multiple photo agencies have decided to pull the image released by Kensington Palace.

The Associated Press noted upon closer inspection that "it appears that the source has manipulated the image." Similarly, AFP withdrew the photo, citing "an editorial issue," and instructed that it "may no longer be used in any manner" on online platforms.

Reuters picture editors pointed out a discrepancy in the alignment of the sleeve of Kate’s daughter’s cardigan, indicating potential alterations to the image.

This photograph marked the first officially released image of the princess since her abdominal surgery in January. Its release followed weeks of speculation and social media conspiracy theories surrounding her health and whereabouts.