FOR a few brief moments it had people oohing and aahing : here at last was Kate, smiling and lovely, surrounded by her kids in a picture taken at home by her husband to mark Mother’s Day in the UK.
It was the proof everyone needed that she was indeed on the mend, hard evidence to silence the conspiracy theorists.
But the illusion has well and truly been shattered – and if the palace had hoped the pic would put an end to speculation about the Princess of Wales, they were sorely mistaken. Within hours several photo agencies had pulled the image from their sites over concerns it had been manipulated.
There were several inconsistencies: the length of George’s forearms; Louis’ strange fingers and the pattern on his jersey not matching up; the absence of Kate’s wedding ring and her misaligned zip; Charlotte’s blurred skirt and a partially missing sleeve.
Associated Press was the first to issue a “kill notification” – industry-speak for retracting an image – and the other agencies soon followed suit.
“At closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image,” Associated Press said. “No replacement photo will be sent.”
“Mandatory kill,” AFP said. “Due to an editorial issue this photo taken by the Prince of Wales has been withdrawn and may no longer be used. Please delete it from all your online services, stop using it and delete it from your servers.”
This photo released by the Prince and Princess of Wales, taken by William, sparked speculation it was not real (from left): Kate's zip appears misaligned, her rings are missing, Princess Charlotte's sleeve is partially missing and Prince Louis' fingers just go wonky.
This story is from the 21 March 2024 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 21 March 2024 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!
Kourtney Kardashian and other celebs are honouring the glory of new moms' postpartum bodies
LEON'S ORDEAL IS NO JOKE
Pain has dominated entertainer Leon Schuster's life after a serious back injury landed him in bed. But despite being depressed he remains hopeful he will recover so he can get back to work
'BREAK THE SILENCE'
That's the message of the Scottish comedian who turned his experience of stalking and sexual abuse into a hit Netflix show
A PLACE OF HOPE AND HEALING
Damaged people and abused dogs find a safe haven and a chance to start again at this farm in the Cape Winelands
FROM SPERM DONOR TO DAD OF 37
Peter Ellenstein's life took an unexpected turn when a message from a daughter he never knew he had led to him meeting dozens of his children and exploring what it means to be a father without ever having raised them
GRATEFUL FOR EVERY BREATH
A double lung transplant has given this chef a second chance at life - and he'll never forget the young man who made it possible
THE GAMES ARE GO!
Preparations are well under way in the City of Lights for the world's greatest sporting spectacle
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
We break down what the new rules are and what to expect for the seventh national elections later this month
TOM'S A TOP GIFTER
He's known to go ALL OUT for his movies and stunts, so it's no surprise TOM CRUISE also PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS for his friends when it comes to GIFTS
TAMING THE BEAST
Recognising and managing your anger can make for a happier and healthier you