Multiple photo agencies are sounding the alarm that Kate Middleton's latest portrait with her children could have been digitally altered.

The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse all released kill notifications to media outlets over the photo — released by Kensington Palace on Sunday — announcing that they would no longer be distributing the image.

The AP wrote, “it appears that the source has manipulated the image.” AFP cited an “editorial issue,” while Reuters said the photo was withdrawn after a “post-publication review.”

Following its release, social media was abuzz with sleuths questioning whether the photo was photoshopped or AI-generated. Many were focused on the cuff of Princess Charlotte’s pink cardigan, which appears to disappear in the photo.

Other users pointed out that Middleton was not wearing her wedding ring.

“no rings, kids all have their fingers crossed, weird blurring on charlotte’s cuffs, leaves on the trees despite it being early mach - i’m sorry but they’re just asking for us to go full katespiracy at this point,” one user on X wrote.

    • WhatAmLemmy@lemmy.world
      0·
      8 months ago

      It’s so bad it’s like they’re trying to inflate the attention on the royal family. I can’t think of what they would gain from this type of attention, though… Other than to keep them relevant in the minds of the public and media, in the cheapest way possible?

      • girlfreddy@lemmy.caOP
        0·
        8 months ago

        I think they were trying to shut down the rumour mill as to why Kate hasn’t been seen in months. Probably figured releasing a “photo” would do the trick. Little did they know there’s a worldwide network of researchers checking photos for just this kind of thing.

        Palace staff f’ed up.

  • Chozo@fedia.io
    0·
    8 months ago

    Okay, I thought the conspiracy theories were kinda silly at first. But now, even though I don’t care about Kate Middleton or any of the royal family, I gotta admit I’m kinda curious now.

    • BananaTrifleViolin@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      8 months ago

      There is nothing to the conspiracy theories, she’s had abdominal surgery and wants to keep her health problems private. The UK press are intrusive and horrible, and the social media conspiracy theories are just gossiping.

      There are plenty of operations that would need a couple weeks of hospital recovery and about 6 weeks recovery at hone (Easter is only the end of March). People speculating are ignorant about basic medical matters and can’t let someone have their privacy. There is no conspiracy.