Princess Kate apologizes for 'editing' photo of family pulled by image agencies

Princess Kate has apologized after a photo shared of her with her three children was removed from use by several major photo agencies.

In a Monday morning post from the Prince and Princess of Wales account on X, the princess apologized and said the confusion over the photo was due to her editing.

"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," the post reads. "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"

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The Associated Press, AFP and Reuters issued kill notifications shortly after the family photo showing Kate seated on a chair and surrounded by her children − Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 8; and Prince Louis, 5 − was published due to "manipulation."

Princess Kate's apology and the removal of the picture from photo agencies comes as social media conspiracies have swirled in recent weeks about her whereabouts.

Where is Princess Kate?

The princess, 42, underwent a planned abdominal surgery Jan. 16 and has remained out of the public eye since. The reason for the surgery has not been revealed, though Kensington Palace, Prince William and Kate’s office said it was not cancer-related.

In February, a spokesperson said the princess is "doing well," as rumors and speculation online rose around her disappearance from the public since the holiday season. She was last seen at a Christmas Day service at Sandringham's St Mary Magdalene Church with her husband, Prince William, their three children and other members of the royal family.

"We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant," the statement continued.

That same month, King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, and will suspend his public engagements. Royal officials said his diagnosis was not related to his recent treatment for a benign prostate condition.

Contributing: Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY.