Four prominent global news photo agencies have issued a stern caution to media outlets, advising them against the use of the recently released official photo of the Princess of Wales.
The warning comes shortly after the image’s debut, with concerns raised about potential manipulation.
The snapshot, featuring Catherine, 42, alongside her and Prince William’s three children, was unveiled on the couple’s official Instagram account on Sunday to mark Mother’s Day in the UK.
Initially, renowned agencies like Associated Press and Getty Images, which supply images to mainstream media platforms for online and print publications, circulated the picture.
However, within less than 12 hours, Associated Press sounded the alarm, declaring they would not be disseminating the image due to unspecified alterations upon closer examination.
Getty Images also issued a warning to news outlets, advocating for a “mandatory photo kill,” a directive echoed by Reuters.
While the original Instagram post, attributed to Prince William as the photographer, remains active, questions quickly arose as the photo gained traction.
Some royal enthusiasts suggested possible manipulation through AI or Photoshop techniques.
One of the glaring anomalies noted in the image was the irregular alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand, particularly the blurred and displaced sleeve of her cardigan.
Additional peculiarities, such as the absence of Kate’s wedding ring, the positioning of Prince Louis’ hand, and discrepancies in the background details like blurred floor tiles and an unseasonably lush landscape, fueled suspicion.
Instances of digitally altered images on social media platforms, where users often aim to enhance their appearance, have made audiences increasingly vigilant. In this photograph, Kate, along with her children, exudes joy with radiant smiles, as she embraces Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
Despite mounting inquiries, Kensington Palace has refrained from providing any official comment, leaving the speculation surrounding the photo’s authenticity unresolved.
