Confusion as photo agencies issue ‘kill notice’ on Kate’s adorable Mother’s Day image after royal fans spot editing fail

THREE photo agencies have issued a "kill notice" on Kate's adorable Mother's Day image - after royal fans spotted an editing fail.

Mum-of-three Kate posed with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis before sharing the snap on Instagram on Sunday.

But international picture agencies Reuters, AP and AFP all issued "mandatory kill" warnings for the family photo on Sunday evening.

Royal fans spotted that eight-year-old Charlotte's hand does not appear to line up with her red jumper sleeve in the picture.

It is standard practice for picture agencies to withdraw edited images.

In its "kill notice", AP said: "At closer inspection it appears that the source has manipulated the image."

In a statement, the agency said: "The Associated Press initially published the photo, which was issued by Kensington Palace.

"The AP later retracted the image because at closer inspection, it appears that the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet AP's photo standards.

"The photo shows an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte's left hand."

The photograph marks the first time the princess has spoken out publicly since her surgery.

It is also the first picture shared of the royal since she underwent her "planned" major abdominal op in January.

Devoted husband Prince William took the family photo at Windsor earlier this week.

Kate captioned the snap: "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.

"Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C"

It comes as rumours about Kate's health were sparked after William missed a memorial service last week.

He had been expected to perform a reading, but pulled out due to a "personal matter".

Kate had only been spotted once since her surgery, in the passenger seat of a black Audi as mum Carole, 69, drove her near Windsor Castle.

She was wearing sunglasses and appeared to be smiling slightly.

It followed her “planned major abdominal surgery” in January at the London clinic.

The central London private hospital also treated The King while he underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Kensington Palace said previously Kate was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.

The statement read: "The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.

"She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."

Kate's uncle Gary Goldsmith has also spoken about her recovery on Celebrity Big Brother.

He said:  "I spoke to her mum, my sister, she's getting the best care in the world.

"And all the family's done is put the wagons round and look after family first before anything else.

"They put a statement out and just said, 'She's taking some time to (recuperate) and will see you in Easter'."

If the princess recuperates according to plans, her first engagement back could be at the family service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on Easter Sunday, March 31.

It comes after confusion over whether the royal would be making an appearance while reviewing a dress rehearsal at Horse Guards Parade for the Trooping of the Colour on June 8.

This would be her first big public event since she underwent surgery.

But it has since been revealed that the MoD put tickets for Kate's event online before consulting Kensington Palace.

The Army is now set to remove the claim that the Princess of Wales will attend, it's understood.