AFP and other news agencies removed the first official photo of Britain’s Princess Kate Middleton from their services on Sunday (March 10), indicating that the image had been manipulated. This was the first photo released since her abdominal surgery.
The 42-year-old princess, whose husband Prince William is the heir to the British throne, has been mainly recovering at their home in Windsor, west of London, since leaving the hospital on January 29.
The photo, released by Kensington Palace to mark Mother’s Day in Britain, shows the smiling Princess of Wales seated on a garden chair. She is dressed in jeans, a sweater, and a dark jacket, surrounded by her three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.
“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” read a message accompanying the photo on the social media platform X.
“Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day,” said the message, which was signed “C” for Catherine.
Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.
Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C
📸 The Prince of Wales, 2024 pic.twitter.com/6DywGBpLLQ
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 10, 2024
Palace clarifies photo source
The palace stated that the photo was taken “in Windsor earlier this week” by Kate’s husband, Prince William. However, multiple news agencies, including AFP, later withdrew the image over concerns of manipulation.
This family portrait marked the first official release of Kate’s image by the royal family since her hospitalisation on January 16.
Kate was last seen publicly during a Christmas Day walk in Sandringham, eastern England. UK media refrained from publishing photos from TMZ, taken near Windsor Castle in March. Speculation emerged on social media about Kate’s absence, despite Kensington Palace’s announcement that she wouldn’t resume public duties until after Easter.
Also watch | Royal Health issues shrouded in secrecy, how is the Royal family faring amid health issues?
Kate’s hospitalisation coincided with King Charles’s surgery and cancer diagnosis. He visited her in the hospital after his admission.
Queen Camilla has assumed many of Charles’s duties during his treatment, with plans to resume public engagements on March 11. With Camilla on a break, all four senior royals are currently inactive, including William and Kate.
(With inputs from agencies)
