"Like many amateur photographers, I experiment with editing from time to time. I apologize for the confusion our family photo shared yesterday caused."

This is what the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton wrote on the X social network in a comment on the scandal that arose because of a photo of her with her children uploaded to the network on the occasion of Mother's Day

Suspicions of manipulation prompted four major global agencies - Getty Images, AFP, Reuters and the Associated Press - to delete the photo from their archives, even though it was uploaded to the profile of Kensington Palace.

Like many amateur photographers, I 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 Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 11, 2024

The shot, captured by Prince William, is the first with his wife to be released since her abdominal surgery in January.

The message below the photo read: "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Happy Mother's Day everyone."

Royal photographer Ian Lloyd told the BBC that photo editing was "not unusual".

42-year-old Catherine spent 13 days in a London clinic after the operation, Nova recalls.

The palace has not released information on the princess's condition since her discharge, sparking a flurry of speculation.

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

They pulled the new photo of Kate with her children due to suspicions of manipulation

On Sunday morning, it was thought that the picture with her children would debunk some of the over-the-top conspiracy theories surrounding the princess' absence from the public scene.

Instead, the photo sparked a flurry of doubt and jokes over Charlotte's odd-looking hairdo, sleeve and skirt, Louis' fingers and the lack of an engagement ring on Kate's hand.

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