Global news agencies, such as Reuters, Getty Images, and the Associated Press, requested their clients to retract a newly released photograph of Catherine, Princess of Wales, who had been absent from public view for several weeks due to recovering from abdominal surgery.
The agencies declared the photo as manipulated and issued mandatory removal notices.
This photo, the first official image of Catherine released by Kensington Palace since her surgery, depicted her alongside her three children, Prince Louis, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte.
The Associated Press reported an “inconsistency in the alignment” of Princess Charlotte’s hand in the photo and retracted it due to manipulation that did not adhere to photo standards.
A Reuters spokesperson stated that the photo was withdrawn following post-publication scrutiny, and the organization is investigating the matter.
According to a Kensington Palace spokesperson, Prince William took the photo earlier in the week at their home in Windsor.
Numerous media outlets, including The Washington Post, initially published the image but have since removed it.
By Sunday evening, Kensington Palace had not yet issued a statement regarding the withdrawal made by the news agencies.
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The Washington Post reached out to a spokesperson for Catherine for comment.
The photo’s unveiling followed weeks of speculation circulating on social media regarding Catherine’s whereabouts.
Although Kensington Palace had previously announced in January that she was unlikely to resume official duties until April, there was growing concern among royal observers due to the absence of recent photographs or updates on her health.
Her most recent public appearance was on Christmas Day, where she was photographed attending a church service in Sandringham.
The release of the photo on Sunday, coinciding with Mother’s Day in Britain, appeared to alleviate some of these concerns.
The post from Kensington Palace, dated 2024, expressed gratitude for the support and well-wishes received over the past two months, signing off with “C” for Catherine and wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.
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