Princess of Wales apologizes over edited photograph

Catherine, Princess of Wales, on Monday apologized and admitted to editing an official portrait of her released by the palace that prompted AFP and other agencies to withdraw the altered image.

Kate, 42, has not been seen in public since attending a Christmas Day church service, and underwent abdominal surgery in January, fuelling speculation about her health.

Her Kensington Palace office on Sunday sought to dispel rumours by distributing an official photograph said to have been taken by her husband Prince William of his wife with their three children.

But questions quickly emerged about the Mother's Day portrait of a smiling Kate, casually dressed and seated in a garden chair, surrounded by Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

They included several inconsistencies such as the zip of Kate's jacket being misaligned in one place, while part of Princess Charlotte's sleeve is missing.

The eight-year-old princess's hair also ends abruptly on her shoulder.

After Britain's respected Press Association news agency joined the growing boycott, Kate issued a statement. "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she wrote.

"I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused."

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. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C

British media outlets quoted unnamed royal sources as saying that Kate had made "minor adjustments" to the picture.

Kensington Palace, however, said it would not republish the original, unedited photo.

AFP, Getty, the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters all have policies about distributing manipulated images. They initially published the photo but pulled it late Sunday.

They decided after consultation that the modifications were "in violation of the ethical standards of the profession", said AFP's deputy news director in charge of photo, Eric Baradat.

"AFP felt compelled to remove the photo to preserve the trust of its subscribers and maintain transparency to the public,