The Associated Press, Reuters, AFP and Getty have retracted the first official images of the Princess of Wales released after surgery.
The first official photo of Kate, Princess of Wales, released since undergoing abdominal surgery has been pulled by multiple news organizations over concerns the image had been manipulated.
The Associated Press, Reuters, Getty Images and Agence France-Presse were told on Sunday not to use images of Duchess Kate and her three children released by Kensington Palace.
The Associated Press said the photo was retracted because “upon closer inspection, it appears that the source had manipulated the image,” and that the photo showed a “misaligned position” of Duchess Kate's daughter Princess Charlotte's left hand. He said this was because he was
AFP news agency said the images had been “altered” and could not be used, without giving details.
Reuters said it removed the image “as a result of a post-publication investigation.”
When contacted for comment, The Associated Press referred Al Jazeera to an AP article about the decision to withdraw.
Reuters, AFP and Getty Images did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.
Kensington Palace did not respond to requests for comment.
Thank you for your warm wishes and continued support over the past two months.
I hope everyone has a happy Mother’s Day. C
📸 Prince of Wales, 2024 pic.twitter.com/6DywGBpLLQ
— Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 10, 2024
The photo was posted on the Prince and Duchess of Wales' official X account on Sunday, with the caption thanking the public for their “warm wishes and continued support over the past two months” and wishing them a Happy Mother's Day.
The image is said to have been taken by Kate's husband Prince William on the grounds of Windsor Castle outside London last week.
The image remained online on Sunday night despite a withdrawal notice, but Kensington Palace announced that Duchess Kate, 42, was hospitalized for surgery in January and will be taking a break from royal duties until after Easter. This was done after the announcement.
The lack of details about the reason for the Queen's surgery and her prolonged absence from public life has led to speculation and conspiracy theories about her condition.
Duchess Kate was last seen in public on Christmas Day, attending a church service at the royal family's Sandringham estate.