London, United Kingdom – Major news agencies have retracted an image released by Kensington Palace featuring Catherine, Princess of Wales, and her children, citing concerns about potential manipulation of the photo. The photograph, the first officially released image of the princess since her recent surgery, sparked speculation and conspiracy theories regarding her well-being and whereabouts.
Released on Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom, the image was accompanied by a message from the princess expressing gratitude for the public’s support. Several news agencies, including CNN, identified areas in the photo that showed signs of potential manipulation, such as Princess Charlotte’s sleeve cuff and the zipper on the Princess of Wales’ jacket.
The Associated Press, among others, noted discrepancies in the image and raised concerns about its authenticity. In response to the controversy, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and the AP withdrew the photo due to editorial issues and evidence of alterations.
Photo agencies and news organizations have strict guidelines against publishing manipulated images to maintain credibility and trust. Advances in technology, such as generative AI, have made it easier for altered photos to deceive viewers and pose challenges for media verification processes.
The removal of the photo by major news agencies presents a public relations challenge for Britain’s royal family amidst ongoing speculation about the princess’s health and absence from public duties. Kensington Palace previously announced that the princess would not resume public engagements until Easter following her surgery earlier this year.
The palace’s limited disclosure about the princess’s condition has fueled rumors and intensified scrutiny on social media, creating pressure for more transparency without compromising her medical privacy. The ongoing saga surrounding the princess’s health and the withdrawn photo underscores the complexities of balancing public interest with personal privacy in the royal family.