(NEXSTAR) – The royal family is once again facing backlash over a seemingly doctored photo, this time of Queen Elizabeth II and her grandchildren.

Earlier this month, the family released what is believed to be the first photo of Kate, Princess of Wales, since she underwent abdominal surgery. It appeared to be an innocent photo of Kate, 42, in a chair surrounded by her three children in Windsor.

Video above: The Prince and Princess of Wales take their children to school in 2022

However, shortly after publication, several news outlets that had published the photo withdrew the photo due to concerns about digital manipulation. Users on multiple social media platforms were quick to point out obvious changes to the image, including an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand with the sleeve of her sweater. The Associated Press notes there was no indication the photo was fake.

Kate apologized the next day for the “confusion” caused by her own editing of the photo, writing on social media: “Like many amateur photographers, I occasionally experiment with editing.”

The photo is still available on the official X account the Prince and Princess of Wales.

News outlets including Getty have since reported another photo as “digitally enhanced at source.” This picture that is too still posted According to official statements, the couple was released in April 2023 and was reportedly captured by Kate in Balmoral last summer.

The photo shows Queen Elizabeth II sitting on a couch surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At first glance, you may notice inconsistencies on the right side of the sofa, around Savannah Phillips’ hair (sitting next to the right armrest), Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s arms touching, and a line coming from Prince George’s little finger extends down to the bottom of the photo. CBS also pointed out obvious changes around Prince Louis’ ear and areas on the couch.

In a statement about it CBSA Getty spokesman said the agency “conducts a review of handout images and, in accordance with its editorial policy, provides an editor’s note to images that the source has suggested could be digitally enhanced.”

It is unclear whether other images of the royal family have been edited.

The “digitally enhanced” photos come at a time when the royal family’s rumor mill is abuzz.

Why is the royal family under so much scrutiny lately?

This is largely due to the absence of Kate, who has not been seen in public since Christmas. She underwent surgery in mid-January, but her condition and reason for the surgery were not disclosed. Prince William and Kate’s office at Kensington Palace said it was not cancer-related. The palace had previously said Kate would not return to royal duties until Easter this year.

“Kensington Palace clarified the timeline for the Princess’s recovery in January and we will only provide essential updates,” the palace said on February 29. “These guidelines apply.”

A Video released earlier this week appeared to show Kate and Prince William in a farm shop near their home in Windsor. However, armchair experts claim that the video has inconsistencies, and some argue that it may not even be about Kate. Kensington Palace did not comment on the video.

Part of the investigation was also carried out with King Charles III. connected. He is being treated for an unspecified type of cancer that was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate. The monarch has canceled all of his public appearances during his treatment, although he has been photographed heading to church and in private meetings with government officials and dignitaries.

“The power and legitimacy of the monarchy rests on visibility,” said Anna Whitelock, professor of the history of the monarchy at London City University. “Visibility is the ‘contract’ between a monarch and his people.”

Experts who study conspiracy theories say the rapid conjecture surrounding Kate is not much different from the way dozens of other “non-standard beliefs” are gaining traction.

“As soon as there is an information gap, people will fill it. And they can fill that space pretty quickly… when we have such a fast-moving media landscape,” said Simeon Yates, professor of digital culture at the University of Liverpool.

The palace and the British government have tried to ignore the suggestion but have occasionally had to respond. The British Embassy in Kiev released a statement on Monday saying: “The news of the death of King Charles III. are fake,” after Russian media falsely reported the monarch’s death.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.