Global news agencies retract first photo of Princess Kate post surgery over signs of manipulation

Several global news agencies, including Getty, Reuters, Associated Press and AFP, have withdrawn a photograph of Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, after post-publication analysis showed signs of image manipulation.

The photograph, issued on Sunday by Kensington Palace, showed Kate (42) with her three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. It was the first public image of the Princess since her surgery two months ago.

It was posted on the Palace’s official X handle on the occasion of Mothers’ Day, celebrated on March 10 this year in the United Kingdom, with the caption, “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C.” The photo credit was given as “📸 The Prince of Wales, 2024”, indicating Prince Williams took the photo.

Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C

📸 The Prince of Wales, 2024 pic.twitter.com/6DywGBpLLQ

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 10, 2024

After initially publishing the photo, several news agencies withdrew it a day later.

Reuters picture editors said part of the sleeve of Kate’s daughter’s cardigan did not line up properly, suggesting that the image had been altered. However, the agency said it could not immediately establish how, why or by whom the alteration had been made.

Reuters said in a statement it had withdrawn the picture following a post-publication review. “We are reviewing the matter,” a spokesperson said.

The Associated Press also retracted the image because “at closer inspection, it appeared the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet AP’s photo standards.”

What’s going on with the photoshopped sleeve area 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8gz33qxVjj

— Nick B Ⓥ (@nick2times) March 10, 2024

“Mandatory kill,” said AFP, adding, “Due to an editorial issue this photo by the Prince of Wales has been withdrawn … and may no longer by used in any manner. Please immediately remove it from all your online services, stop using it in any other fashion and delete it from your servers.”

Kensington Palace is yet to comment on the issue.

Major picture agencies that distribute news-related photographs have policies that prohibit the publication of images that have been overly edited.

This is the latest in a series of controversies that have surrounded Princess Kate following her abdominal surgery in January 2024. As the princess remained out of sight, rumours had swirled about the nature and severity of the medical procedure.

“Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter,” the Kensington Palace said in a statement on January 17, 2024.

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