Princess Kate issues apology after photo confusion as she admits she ‘experiments with editing’
PRINCESS Kate has admitted she "experiments with editing" as she's forced to apologise for her Mother's Day photo.
The heartfelt snap of Kate beaming with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, was shared on Sunday.
While many were thrilled to see the Princess of Wales looking well following her abdominal surgery two months ago, at least four "editing fails" could be seen.
The image, which was put out by Kensington Palace, was claimed to have been digitally altered - with photo agencies forced to order a "kill notice" on the pic.
Five large news agencies - AP, Getty Images, Reuters, AFP and PA - all withdrew the snap over fears it had been 'edited at the source'.
In a statement today, the Princess of Wales has since apologised for the picture's amendments - admitting she caused "confusion" with her edits.
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Kate said: "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.
"I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused.
"I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C."
The sweet Mother's Day picture was shared by Kensington Palace after weeks of speculation surrounding Kate's health - as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
The original X post now has a warning on it that reads: "Major news agencies, including the Associated Press, Getty Images, and Reuters, note inconsistencies that suggest digital alteration by Kensington Palace."
Fans questioned why Kate wasn't wearing her wedding ring and noticed that her other hand was blurry.
Others said Charlotte's cardigan sleeve seemed to disappear and her skirt was fuzzy.
Fans also claimed there appeared to be an odd cut in the skirting board.
In a colour corrected and lightened version of the image, Kate's zip appears not to line up.
Meanwhile, others reckoned the colour of the tree's leaves are wrong for this time of year.
Context on tweets is added by people who use the app, say X.
The box will appear after notes are made multiple times by users who believe more information is needed to be known.
The Palace had said the photo was snapped by Prince William last week, and was the first time Kate had posted online in months.
She captioned the sweet pic: "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.
"Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C."
Last night international picture agencies Reuters, AP, Getty and AFP issued "mandatory kill" warnings for the family photo.
It is standard practice for picture agencies to withdraw edited images.
In its "kill notice", AP said: "At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image."
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat was quizzed on the photo this morning and said he thought it was "important that we record what we put out is honest and that we record situations accurately".
He told Times Radio: "You wouldn't expect me to comment on any photos, particularly not on Mother's Day, when I think many of us were snapping away and slightly improving photographs that we took of our mothers, but mostly of our kids who were sort of wriggling around. So I'm not going to be judging on that.
"But I think it is important that we record what we put out is honest and that we record situations accurately.
"So I'm sure that like any family, there's a few moments that you could get better."
Asked if his department would release a photo that had been doctored, he said: "We're always very careful about what we put out. But you're luring me down a path here.
"I'm not going down there because it's a family photo and it's Mother's Day."
It comes as rumours about Kate's health were sparked after William missed a memorial service two weeks ago.
He had been expected to perform a reading, but pulled out due to a "personal matter".
Kate had only been spotted once since her surgery, in the passenger seat of a black Audi as mum Carole, 69, drove her near Windsor Castle.
She was wearing sunglasses and appeared to be smiling slightly.
It followed her “planned major abdominal surgery” in January at the London clinic.
The central London private hospital also treated The King while he underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Kensington Palace said previously Kate was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
The statement read: "The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
"She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
Kate's uncle Gary Goldsmith has also spoken about her recovery on Celebrity Big Brother.
He said: "I spoke to her mum, my sister, she's getting the best care in the world.
"And all the family's done is put the wagons round and look after family first before anything else.
"They put a statement out and just said, 'She's taking some time to [recuperate] and will see you in Easter'."
If the princess recovers according to plans, her first engagement back could be at the family service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on Easter Sunday, March 31.
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It comes after confusion over whether the royal would be making an appearance while reviewing a dress rehearsal at Horse Guards Parade for the Trooping of the Colour on June 8.
