The release of the first official photograph of Britain’s Princess Kate Middleton since her recent abdominal surgery has sparked controversy and speculation, with several news agencies raising concerns about manipulation.
The photograph, shared by Kensington Palace on Sunday to mark Mother’s Day in Britain, features the smiling Princess seated outdoors with her three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis. Notably, Princess Kate is seen without her engagement ring, which has drawn attention on social media.
Attributed to her husband Prince William, the photo was taken at Windsor, where Kate has been recuperating following her surgery. Accompanying the image was a message expressing gratitude for well wishes and support during her recovery, signed with a “C” for Catherine.
However, the authenticity of the image came under scrutiny as news agencies, including AP, AFP, and Reuters, withdrew the photo over manipulation concerns. The misalignment of Princess Charlotte’s hand with the sleeve of her cardigan was cited as a point of contention.
While the UK’s major news agency PA, through which the Royal family typically releases official communications, has not withdrawn the photo, the withdrawal by other agencies has fueled speculation and debate online.
The Palace has chosen not to comment on the withdrawal of the photo by the news agencies, leaving room for speculation among users on social media platforms. Some users questioned the timing of the photo’s release and Princess Kate’s absence of her engagement ring, suggesting the possibility of an AI-generated image.
Princess Kate’s recent absence from public view had already fueled speculation and conspiracy theories. Following her surgery, the Palace had announced she would be unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter, clarifying that her surgery was unrelated to cancer, unlike her father-in-law King Charles, who was diagnosed earlier this year.
The release of this photograph marks the first official family portrait since Princess Kate’s surgery, with previous glimpses of her limited to private moments and her recent hospital discharge. The decision by certain UK outlets not to publish recent photos of her underscores the intense scrutiny surrounding her recovery and public appearances.
Sources By Agencies
