Princess Kate’s photo blunder is “forgivable” but “concerning”, claims a PR expert.

The Princess of Wales has been engulfed in fresh royal drama after sharing a Mother’s Day photograph of her posing with her children on the couple’s social media accounts. While the happy photograph was initially well received it soon sparked concern the image had been digitally manipulated.

Several international news agencies, including the UK’s national news agency, PA, retracted it from publication, with Kate later publicly taking the blame for the mishap.

Carla Speight, who runs a successful PR agency, has suggested the latest royal gaffe is a “step too far” amid claims that Kate and her children’s images had been altered.

Questions remain around blurring on Kate’s right hand, and misalignment of her hair and the zip on her jumper. People took to social media to point out several mistakes, with many pointing out that Charlotte’s skirt appears blurred and missing a sleeve, Louis’s jumper pattern doesn’t appear to match up and one of his fingers appears shorter than the others.

Fans were also confused that Kate wasn’t wearing any wedding rings.

The PR expert warned using Photoshop on the image is a “step too far” especially having included her children in the photo, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, which could potentially send out the wrong message.

“Editing herself would have been forgivable, given that she has just had an operation and is recovering as we speak,” Carla told Express.co.uk. “Perhaps vanity can get the better of you when you’re in the public eye. However, editing the kids is a step too far.

“It raises questions about the accusations of PR games between the Wales’ and the Sussexes.”

The expert urged the royals to not compare themselves to celebrities such as the Kardashians, who have also been accused of using editing tools on several photos of themselves along with their loved ones.

Despite calls for the original image to be published, Kensington Palace insisted it would not be re-issuing the unedited photograph of Kate and her children.

Carla commented: “Refusing to share the original photo is almost as bad as editing it. It leaves the public wondering what they are hiding and loses a considerable amount of trust in the future King and Queen Consort.

“It fires up conspiracy theorists and anti-monarchy groups adding justification to their cause.

“They aren’t the Kardashians, they’re the Royal family who preach the importance of family and children, yet they’ve faked their own image.”

Kate attempted to explain the edited Mother’s Day photo with a post on X, saying: “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. C.”

The picture comes weeks after Kate has remained out of the public eye following her recent abdominal surgery.