Several major news agencies have withdrawn an image of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and her three children, citing potential manipulation. The photo, released by Kensington Palace on Sunday, marked the first official image of the princess since her abdominal surgery in January. In the image, Princess Catherine expressed gratitude for the public's support and also acknowledged Mother's Day in the UK.
Upon conducting an initial review, experts identified two areas in the photo that raised concerns about potential manipulation. The first area of scrutiny involves Princess Charlotte's sleeve cuff, which appears to have been altered. The second area under question is a zipper on the left-hand side of the princess's jacket.
The controversy surrounding the photo has sparked speculation, particularly on social media platforms. Royal biographers and authors have weighed in on the situation, noting the growing momentum of concerns and conspiracy theories circulating online.
The intention behind releasing the photo was to reassure the public about the princess's health and recovery. While many agree that the image is genuine, questions about potential doctoring have led three out of the four major photo agencies to withdraw the image.
The decision to pull the photo has raised eyebrows, as it is uncommon for such actions to be taken. The motive behind any potential manipulation remains unclear, especially considering the importance of accurately reflecting the princess's current state.