News agencies withdraw Kate Middleton's image over photo manipulation concerns

Major new agencies has withdrawn a photo released by Kensington Palace on Sunday showing Princess of Wales Kate Middleton and her children for Mother's Day. The UK marks Mother's Day three weeks before Easter Sunday.

The Palace released an image of Kate and her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, saying it was captured by Prince William. It was the first officially released image of the princess after she recovered from an abdominal surgery in January. The palace did not divulge the nature of the surgery but said it was non-cancerous.

The photo came with the caption, "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C."

Many were quick to point out that the Princess of Wales was not wearing her wedding ring. The Associated Press noted that "at closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image." 

AFP revealed that it had withdrawn the image because of an "editorial issue." Both Reuters and AP said the photo was manipulated in the area where the sleeve of Princess Charlotte is seen.