Princess of Wales: Kate image withdrawn by three news agencies amid 'manipulation' concerns

BBC ^ | March 10 | BBC

[RandFan]

Three photo agencies have retracted a picture of the Princess of Wales over concerns it has been "manipulated".

The image, taken by Prince William and issued by Kensington Palace for Mother's Day, showed Catherine with their three children.

But, Associated Press was the first to pull the image as it "did not meet" the agency's photo standards noting an "inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte's left hand".

Kensington Palace are yet to comment.

The photo shows the princess sitting down, surrounded by Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Prince George, the latter wrapping his arms around her.

It was the first official photo of the Princess of Wales since her abdominal surgery two months ago. Since then she has stayed out of the public eye.

The image was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's social media accounts with a message from Catherine which said: "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.

"Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day."

But, late on Sunday night, the Associated Press, which initially published the photo after being issued by Kensington Palace, issued a "kill notification" - an industry term used to make a retraction.

It said: "At closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent."

A second photo agency, Reuters, said it too had withdrawn the image "following a post-publication review".

This was followed by a third agency, AFP, which also issued a "mandatory kill notice".

[Jemian]

Here's the picture. What is wrong?

[mgstarr]

I like Louis; even made HMQE2 laugh. Always hoped he’s named for Lord Louis Mountbatten.

[Jemian]

Louis is crossing his middle and ring fingers on his right hand. Not usual, but not impossible and I used to do that when younger, just to be different. The kids don’t look like they’re a year younger, so it isn’t last spring.

[goodnesswins]

The hand on kid in green sweater is kinda weird

[sphinx]

The royal family has been reasonably candid about major medical issues for a good many years. In today’s world, it is foolish to try to hide such things — IF the condition is indeed medical in nature and not complicated by something pretty ugly. The complete blackout on Kate’s condition simply fuels speculation. At this point, given the time that has elapsed, I would not be surprised by anything.

[McGruff]

The two hands wrapped around her don’t look right.

[Right_Wing_Madman]

Here's the picture. What is wrong?

- Charlotte's left hand doesn't quite fit in her sleeve correctly.
- George's hands don't match. The left hand is more bulky and redder than the right hand. These are hands from two different kids.
- It appears that Kate has been photoshopped onto the photo. It doesn't look like she is actually sitting in front of George. The perspective isn't quite right.

[ransomnote]

In the image you provided, Kate's right hand is shown at a lower resolution compared with her left hand. This became visible when I enlarged the display of the image posted.

[frogjerk]

I think she was in treatment for anorexia. That is why the Royals were keeping it a secret. It would be “Oh no, here we go again, Diana”...everyone would be pissed at the Royals

[nevadapatriot]

Missing wedding band

[frogjerk]

The lower left of the picture where the concrete is has an inconsistent and very photoshopped look to it. My guess is that there was something in the picture that shouldn't have been there and they couldn't do a reshoot - nothing really nefarious.

But I think they she was in the hospital for anorexia which would not reflect well on the Royal family.

[frogjerk]

I don’t think those three points of yours are true from me looking at the photo but I do believe if you look to the lower left you can see what appears to be a photoshopping of the cement or bricks. The white and darker lines don’t line up

[Jemian]

I bow to your superior knowledge. Within my family, I am known for my bad knowledge of photography. These are details that I, obviously, do not notice.

[mairdie]

https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1875909/princess-kate-mothers-day-photo-editing

This article shows a closeup of Charlotte’s sleeve. A tiny piece of rose where her sleeve was, left behind when sleeve moved to the right. This was a real photoshop fail as moving the tartan skirt into that space is trivial.

[frogjerk]

[Toespi]

I think she has Crohn’s disease and needed surgery, which usually requires removal of a portion of the colon, then a temporary colostomy bag. My good friend had Crohn’s for several years and eventually needed this surgery. She was in the hospital for several+weeks, and had a colostomy bag for three months or so, until the surgery site healed. Almost the same time line.

[ConservativeMind]

Or she was moving it.

[Mears]

How would anorexia have a negative effect on the royal family ?

..

[MinorityRepublican]

Anorexia is a reason they’re keeping it secret. If she has a disease or something out, they’ll be transparent.

[MinorityRepublican]

Diana.