Kate Middleton's edited and photoshopped Instagram post fuels 'Where is Kate?' conspiracy

A photoshopped image of Kate Middleton and her kids – the first official photo the public has seen of Middleton since her surgery nearly two months ago – might be the newest plot point in the "Where is Kate Middleton?" conspiracy overtaking social media.

The palace released the image on the Prince and Princess of Wales official Instagram account Sunday, March 10 – when Mother's Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom. The photo's caption, signed off from Middleton, reads: "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day."

Prince William was credited as the photographer. Middleton was then seen leaving Windsor Castle with Prince William on Monday.

Here's what to know.

Was Kate Middleton's Mother's Day photo edited?

People online quickly identified several areas of the image that appeared to be photoshopped, including Middleton's hand, which is missing her wedding ring and appears to be edited based on a zoom-in of Princess Charlotte's arm. Others pointed to the left side of Princess Charlotte's skirt as looking photoshopped.

Middleton released a formal apology for the edits Monday morning on X. "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she wrote.

The release of the photo comes on the heels of panic across the Internet concerning Middleton's wellbeing after her nearly two-week hospital stay following her "planned surgery" in January. Before the Mother's Day post, the public had not seen an official photo of Middleton since Christmas Day, further fueling online theories about her whereabouts.

On Monday, Middleton was seen leaving Windsor Castle with Prince William for what People magazine reported was a private appointment.

The Associated Press retracts Kate Middleton's photoshopped photo

The Associated Press announced early Monday morning that Kate Middleton's Mother's Day photo was pulled from circulation by several news organizations, AP included, because the image "appeared to have been manipulated," it reported.

While there was no suggestion the image was fake, AP reported, the photo was still retracted because it did not meet its editorial standards. Kensington Palace declined to offer comment regarding the retraction.

The outlet's standards include that images must be accurate. AP does not use altered or digitally manipulated images.

Where is Kate Middleton?

Before Sunday's Instagram post, Middleton was seen on Christmas Day in December 2023, when she joined members of the royal family in attending a service at Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Norfolk, United Kingdom.

The 42-year-old was photographed alongside her three kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and her husband Prince William.

Coverage of Middleton was radio silent until over three weeks later, when Kensington Palace released a formal statement on Jan. 17, 2024, revealing the Princess of Wales was admitted to the hospital the day prior for "planned abdominal surgery." The statement added that she is "unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Social media users questioned the "planned" nature of her surgery, given the fact the end of the palace's statement said Middleton had to postpone upcoming engagements amid her health issues. But the context behind that particular phrasing is still unclear.

On Jan. 29, the palace announced Middleton was discharged from the hospital and returned home to Windsor Castle. Since then, many online theories about her whereabouts have circulated.

Presumably in response to the Internet theories, Princess Kate's spokesperson told People Magazine last month that "We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant." The rep added she is "doing well."

Middleton was seen in a car with her mother, Carole Middleton, last week. Following her apology over the Mother's Day photo Monday, she was then seen leaving Windsor Castle with Prince William.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Where is Kate Middleton? Photoshop controversy, more explained