Kate Middleton’s first snap after surgery slammed for bad photoshop as press retracts 'manipulated' photo

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Several photo and news agencies have pulled a newly released picture of Kate Middleton released by Kensington Palace due to suspicions of manipulation, AP reports.

This whole controversy around the Mothers Day Photo comes amid questions and drama about Princess Kate’s absence from the public eye ever since her planned abdominal surgery in January.

Agencies claim that Middleton's picture is manipulated

Kate Middleton remained at a London hospital until January 29, when she returned home to continue her recovery. The initial statement from the palace said she was "unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter," following medical advice.

Since leaving the hospital after receiving care for 13 days in January, the princess has primarily been recovering at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.

Earlier this week, she was spotted being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, marking the first time she's been seen since the operation.

On Sunday, March 10 the palace released a photo for Mother’s Day in the UK which featured 42-years-old Princess of Wales, smiling at the camera as her three children named Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis  stood around her as they smiled towards the camera.

The photo was taken by Prince William, 41, earlier this week at the family's home in Windsor, according to People. However, after the photo was shared on social media, fans began to express concerns over the image being photoshopped or even AI-generated.

People cited that renowned news and photos agencies worldwide, including the Associated Press, Getty Images, Reuters and the AFP removed the photos from their press libraries, citing concerns about manipulation.

AP issued a kill notification for anyone using the photo, writing in an alert to journalists that after “closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent.”

An AP spokesperson released a statement to The Telegraph, saying, "The photo shows an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand."

Inconsistencies in the placement of Prince Louis' sweater design on his shoulder and a jagged white line in the background close to his knee have also been pointed up by a number of other sites.

No comment from Kensington Palace have been made after at least 3 international pictures agencies refuse to distribute the photo of Kate and her children, per, ITV Royal reporter Chris Ship. 

What did the Internet say about Kate Middleton's photo? 

Amid all of this controversy surrounding Kate Middleton, the internet opined with views on social media.

A user wrote on Facebook , "Al is the most dangerous technology devised, I am not talking about the movies, the ease of propaganda is a fortune for those that can use it." 

Another user wrote, "Where is her ring? Rumor is that they are splitting." A user wrote, "I'm so glad they discovered this!!" 

Another user wrote, "It's probably Al created." A user said, "Wait till everything is Al.....very dangerous." 

The next user said, "Why hide her true health issues? What is the gain??? Imagine millions of people knowing how to pray for her." 

While another user opined saying, "Why?? Just why? Why do they do this? To appear perfect? Happy? Real? I don't like this movie."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.