A photo released by Catherine and Prince William for Mother's Day was intended to reassure the public and dispel online rumours about the Princess of Wales' well-being. However, it has sparked scrutiny instead. Details like Princess Charlotte's wrist and missing parts of her cardigan, Prince Louis' hands, and the background's foliage in mid-March are under scrutiny. The photo, meant to address Catherine's absence from the public eye, has failed to do so.

News agencies, including Reuters and the Associated Press, have withdrawn the image, citing manipulation. While it's customary for a professional photographer to cover royal events, the limited circle around the Princess during her recovery led Prince William to take the picture. It's speculated that editing may have inadvertently raised doubts about its authenticity, though the intention was to quell speculation.