First photo of Kate Middleton since surgery retracted because image appears manipulated

The first photo of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, was released Sunday along with a statement, but it was later retracted by major news organizations over concerns the image had been manipulated.

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Photo retracted by news outlets

Update 8:28 EDT March 10: The photograph of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, which was released on Sunday, was later removed by The Associated Press and other news agencies because it appeared to be manipulated.

According to the AP, the photo was originally issued by Kensington Palace. The news organization retracted the image because after closer inspection, the photo showed an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.

Kensington Palace declined to comment, according to the BBC.

-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Original report: The photo was released on Mother’s Day in the UK. The photo was of Kate Middleton surrounded by her children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, according to The Washington Post.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson told the Post that the photo was taken by Kate’s husband, Prince William.

“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” Kate said on their official Instagram.

Kate, 42, is not expected to return to her public duties until around Easter, the BBC reported.

The photo was released weeks after speculation about the Princess of Wales since she was released from the hospital on Jan. 29, according to The Associated Press. She was in the hospital for a planned procedure but had not been seen since Christmas in public.

Kate had surgery on Jan. 16. The reason for the procedure as well as her condition has not been released but royal officials say it is not related to cancer, the AP reported.

Around the same time, her father-in-law, King Charles III, was receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. Since, he has been diagnosed with cancer but has not shared what type of cancer, the AP reported. Following his diagnosis, King Charles III has canceled engagements and is getting treatment.

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