Around 10:30 a.m. U.K. time on Monday, Katewroteon X (formerly Twitter), “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”
Her apology on social media, which was signed with a “C” for Catherine, followed prominent picture agencies like AP and Reuters withdrawing the image citing claims of manipulation.
Kate and William’s motivation was “to offer an informal picture of the family together for Mother’s Day," the source adds. “The family spent Mother’s Day together and had a wonderful day.”
The palace would not be drawn on what part of the photograph was altered. When AP issued a “kill notification” — writing in analert to journaliststhat after “closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image" — most attention focused on Princess Charlotte’s left hand.
Others have highlighted inconsistencies in the alignment of the sweater pattern on Prince Louis' shoulder, as well as a jagged white line in the background near his knee.
Kate Middleton with her three children, Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram

The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram
It was the first official photograph of Kate, 42, since her abdominal surgery of January 16.
Usually, it is Kate who takes the family photographs but, for the first time, it was William, 41, who shot the image. It was taken at Windsor, where the family lives, last week.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Samir Hussein/WireImage
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
An AP spokesperson released a statement toThe Telegraphsaying, “The photo shows an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.”
source: people.com