Kensington Palace 'manipulated' Kate Middleton picture, claim global news agencies

(Left) The picture of Kate Middleton and her kids released by Kensington Palace on Sunday; (right) AP news agency's 'kill notification'. (Image credit: @chrisshipitv/X)

After Kensington Palace on Sunday released the first official photo of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, since her abdominal surgery in January, global news agencies including giants such as the Associated Press (AP) and the Agence France-Presse (AFP) refused to distribute the picture claiming “the source [the palace] has manipulated the image”.

The picture, apparently clicked by Prince William at Windsor earlier this week, shows Middleton with her three children -- princess Charlotte, prince Louis, and prince George. "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day," it read.

No comment from Kensington Palace tonight after at least 3 international pictures agencies refuse to distribute this morning’s photo of Kate and her children. Some of them (@AP ) have claimed “the source [the palace] has manipulated the image”. pic.twitter.com/ppOwDtPr9P

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— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 10, 2024

AP, who had initially also released the picture to its subscribers, later took it off the platform and sent out a "kill notice" in which it stated that "at closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent."

AFP also issued a kill notice for the picture and highlighted an “editorial issue” with Kensington Palace’s photo, asking clients to remove it.

Mandatory “Kill Notice” from @AFP - a huge international picture agency which says there is an “editorial issue” with Kensington Palace’s photo and has told clients to remove it (I suspect more people will see it as a result). pic.twitter.com/Ovs91bTAOt

— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 10, 2024

Kate Middleton's planned abdominal surgery in January and subsequent "disappearance" sent social media exploding with conspiracy theories. The recent picture was reportedly shared to quell concerns about her health since she wasn't seen in public for over two months.

In a statement shared on January 17, the Royal Family had announced that Middleton had undergone a planned abdominal surgery and would return to public duties only after Easter.

Read more: Kate Middleton seen for first time after surgery, British media refuses to publish pics