The Princess has issued an apology via X for this photo, which has been removed from all major international photography platforms, after editing issues were spotted.
This image was shared by several photography agencies, including PA, Reuters, Getty, and AP on Sunday, with that last three having earlier confirmed that they removed the item amid fears that it may have been manipulated.
This was the first photo released by the Princess of Wales since she underwent abdominal surgery in January.
Apologising for the manipulated photo, Kate Middleton wrote, "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing".
"I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused", she added. "I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C".
However, PA, the UK'S national news agency, sought immediate clarification from Kensington Palace, regarding the photo's authenticity.
"Like other news agencies, PA Media issued the handout image provided by Kensington Palace of the Princess of Wales and her children in good faith yesterday", the news agency said in a statement. "We became aware of concerns about the image and we carried a report about it last night, and made clear that we were seeking urgent clarification about the image from Kensington Palace".
"In the absence of that clarification, we are killing the image from our picture service".
The Princess of Wales issued this apology less than an hour after PA announced that they had removed the photo. Kate Middleton is expected not to return to royal duties until after Easter.
Kensington Palace declined to comment on the photograph.
