Picture agencies have issued a “kill notice” of a photo released by Princess Kate over fears of AI manipulation. Source: Prince William, Instagram.
Several picture agencies have issued a “kill notice” over the first official photo released by Kinsington Palace of Princess Kate with fears of digital manipulation.
The photo shared on social media was of Kate sitting on a chair, surrounded by her three children — Prince Louis, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte — with a message in Honor of Mother’s Day, thanking well-wishers for their support.
“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” the post said. “Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”
Kinsington Palace said the photo was taken earlier this week in Windsor by her husband, Prince William.
Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.
Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C
📸 The Prince of Wales, 2024 pic.twitter.com/6DywGBpLLQ
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 10, 2024
The image served to stop speculations over the whereabout and wellbeing of Kate, as she had not been officially photographed since her abdominal surgery in January.
In an unexpected development last night, the picture appeared to have backfired as four major news agencies, including Reuters, AP, Getty, and AFP, withdrew the picture from their libraries, reporting it had been manipulated at the source.
“At closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image,” a notice from the Associated Press read, issuing an alert to “kill” the photo from their system.
Reuters said the picture was being removed “following a post publication review”. While it is not confirmed, there are speculations of the photo being manipulated using AI technology.
Members of the public have pointed out discrepancies in the photo such as the length of Prince George’s arms, one of Louis’ fingers looking shorter than the other, and the autumn leaves on the trees not matching up with the claims of being recent.
The use of AI has been a serious concern recently, especially for the royal family, as they have had to deal with the release of false AI-made books about King Charles’ cancer diagnosis last month.
No further comment about Kate’s condition was given and it was announced she would temporarily withdraw from public duties until after Easter.
“She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,” an announcement released in January read.
