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It was supposed to be a wholesome image to celebrate Mother’s Day in the UK, but a photo of Kate Middleton and her children ended up in controversy for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Four major news agencies (Associated Press, Getty Images, Reuters and AFP) removed the photograph from their libraries over fears that it had been manipulated by Kensington Palace.
AP issued a “takedown notice” to customers, telling those who use its service that upon “closer inspection it appears the source has manipulated the image.” Reuters said it was removing the image after a post-publication review.
As of Sunday afternoon UK time, Kensington Palace had not commented.
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted the photo on Sunday and wished their followers a happy Mother’s Day. The image was supposedly taken by Prince William this year.
Royal commentators initially said the image would combat weeks of feverish speculation about Middleton’s health after she disappeared from public life following abdominal surgery in January.
But the image has further fueled conspiracies after eagle-eyed social media users spotted flaws in the photo that suggested it had been doctored.
Chris Ship, royal editor at ITV News, said there were “serious questions” for Kensington Palace after it appeared elements of the image, including Princess Charlotte’s sleeve, had been doctored.
Everything seems to indicate that the issue will make front-page headlines in the United Kingdom on Monday.