Prince William/Kensington Palace
Several news organizations have removed a recent photo of Kate Middleton from their press libraries, citing concerns about tampering. This news comes amid ongoing speculation and conspiracies about the health and well-being of the Princess of Wales, who has been absent since undergoing abdominal surgery in January. The photo was originally supposed to be the first she shared since her surgery.
The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse announced Sunday that there were editorial concerns about inconsistencies in the images — echoing speculation that spread online hours before the scheduled date.
“Upon closer examination, the source appears to have doctored the image. No replacement image will be sent,” the AP said in its kill statement. “Please remove it from all platforms, including social media, where it may remain visible. “
The photo was posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales' official Instagram account on Sunday, Mother's Day in the UK, and shows Middleton smiling with her three children in a photo allegedly taken by Prince William. Kensington Palace told CNN that the photo was taken earlier this week in Windsor. Many of the blemishes pointed out on social media revolve around Middleton and the children's hands, distortions that viewers have argued are often signs that the photo has been edited or with the help of artificial intelligence.
The caption read: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the past two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day. The 'C' is short for Catherine.”
Middleton has retreated from her royal duties since her surgery last January, the details of which have not yet been fully revealed. Kensington Palace had previously said that abdominal surgery was not related to cancer. She is expected to return to her public duties around Easter.
The Princess of Wales has reportedly spent the last few months recovering at home, but that hasn't stopped social media rumors from spreading theories about Middleton's absence, including that she has been isolating. The Masked Singer or Traitorsshe was wearing a costume in Willy Wonka's ill-fated live experience, or that she and Prince William are in the process of divorcing.
The conspiracies have become so widespread and outlandish — Operation BBL, for example — that Kensington Palace took the uncharacteristic step of issuing a statement to stop the gossip. A representative for the royal family said: “Kensington Palace clarified the timeline for the princess’s recovery in January and we will only provide important updates.” “This guidance stands.”
The palace has not issued a statement since the killing notices were announced.
