New scandal in the palace: post-operative photo of Kate Middleton removed from “manipulation”

The first post-operative photo of the Princess of Wales has been removed due to “manipulation”. Photo agencies have issued a “destruction notice” for the photo after an editing error was discovered in the image of Kate Middleton with her children.

The first official photograph of the Princess of Wales released since her abdominal surgery two months ago has been withdrawn by some of the world’s biggest photo agencies over claims the image was manipulated.

According to The Guardian, in the photo, published on the occasion of Mother’s Day in the UK, Catherine is shown sitting on a chair surrounded by her three children. This is the first authorized photo of Katherine since Christmas.

After publication, the photo was retracted by photo agencies including the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters, which issued a “destruction notice” to stop the image from being circulated.

“Upon closer inspection, it appears that the source manipulated the image,” the AP notice said. An AP spokesman told The Telegraph: “The photo shows a discrepancy in the position of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.”

AFP reported: “Mandatory destruction. Due to an editorial issue, this photograph of the Prince of Wales has been withdrawn… and can no longer be used in any way. Please immediately remove it from all of your online services, stop using it in any other way, and delete it from your servers.”

Reuters said in a statement that it had retracted the photo following a post-publication review. “We are looking into this issue,” the spokesman said.

Reuters photo editors reported that part of the sleeve of Princess Charlotte’s cardigan did not fit properly, suggesting the image had been altered. Reuters said it could not immediately determine how, why or by whom the changes were made.

A spokesman for the PA news agency said it had not disabled the image on its service but had sought urgent clarification from Kensington Palace over concerns raised about manipulation.

In a later article, the Associated Press said that, in keeping with its “news values ​​and principles,” minor photo edits, including cropping, toning and color adjustments, “are acceptable when necessary for clear and accurate reproduction and should preserve the authenticity of the photograph.” “

The message added that “changes in density, contrast, color and saturation levels that significantly change the original scene are not acceptable. The background should not be digitally blurred or eliminated by burning or aggressive toning. Removing red-eye from photographs is unacceptable.”

Speculation and conspiracy theories have intensified since Catherine has been out of the public eye recovering from planned abdominal surgery in January, when it was said she would be recovering until around Easter.

The photo was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media accounts on Sunday morning, along with a message thanking well-wishers for their support.

“Thank you for your good wishes and continued support over the past two months,” the message said. “I wish everyone a happy Mother’s Day.” Kensington Palace said the photo was taken in Windsor earlier this week by the Prince of Wales.

Details about the princess’s condition have not been released, but Kensington Palace has previously said it is not cancer-related and that Catherine would like her personal medical information to remain confidential.

Kensington Palace declined to comment.