Why did photo agencies issue ‘kill notices’ on Princess Kate’s Mother’s Day picture?

PICTURE agencies have issued ‘kill notices’ on Princess Kate’s Mother’s Day picture.

The photo showed Kate, 42, sitting on a chair and smiling while surrounded by Prince George, 10 Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, with beaming smiles.

Reuters

Reuters issued a kill notice after a ‘publication review’[/caption]

Kensington Palace said the picture had been taken by Prince William, 41, last week.

It was published on the royal couple’s official social media pages on Sunday before issuing it to select press agencies for syndication, as is typical for images distributed by the royals.

However, the image sparked an online frenzy after royal fans claimed the picture was edited.

Kensington Palace is now under pressure to respond to the accusations of manipulation.

News agencies ordered a “kill notice” on the picture late Sunday night.

The removal orders were sent after “manipulation” on the image was discovered.

AP’s order said the reason for killing the story was: “At closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image.”

The order then directs those who have used the photo to remove it from all platforms, including social.

Agence France-Press ordered the “mandatory kill” due to an “editorial issue” and directed that the image may no longer be used.

Reuters said the photo “has been withdrawn following a post publication review.” 

Getty Images said: “For editorial reasons, please remove the following image(s) from your system and do not use in any manner.” 

Getty said its picture desk “identified a problematic image” provided by the palace and removed it from its site “in accordance with our editorial policy.”

Each of the news agencies have their own editorial guidelines which govern how they treat images.

AP says that pictures “must always tell the truth” and that it does not alter or manipulate the content of a photograph in any way.

Its guidelines say: “The content of a photograph must not be altered in PhotoShop or by any other means. No element should be digitally added to or subtracted from any photograph.” 

However, AP says minor adjustments are allowed, they include cropping, colour adjustments, and light adjustments.

Kate captioned the snap: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.

“Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C”

The Sun’s Royal Photographer Arthur Edwards has blasted the “spoiling” of the photograph by editing.

He said: “To me it wasn’t about the sleeve, it’s about the fact that Catherine looked so good and the smiles on the children.

“It’s just a lovely family photograph. I’d have been proud to take that photograph and I’m sorry it’s been spoiled by this stupid photo editing. It’s not even been done properly.

“My view is the agencies in the US are so fussy we can’t even take the red eye out, we mustn’t touch it.

“There rules are their rules. I’m so pleased the picture is still being run because it shows Catherine looks so well.”

The original X post now has a warning on it that reads: “Major news agencies, including the Associated Press, Getty Images, and Reuters, note inconsistencies that suggest digital alteration by Kensington Palace.”

The “manipulated” image comes as rumours about Kate’s health were sparked after William missed a memorial service last week.

He had been expected to perform a reading, but pulled out due to a “personal matter”.

Kate had only been spotted once since her surgery, in the passenger seat of a black Audi as mum Carole, 69, drove her near Windsor Castle.

She was wearing sunglasses and appeared to be smiling slightly.

Getty

Kate has not been seen in public since her abdominal surgery in January[/caption]