Princess Kate has been tipped to release another family photograph next month – just weeks after she faced fierce backlash for altering a public image.

The Princess of Wales has been rarely seen since undergoing major abdominal surgery in January, leading to question marks over her health and wellbeing.

She released an image of her and her children to mark Mother’s Day, however she faced criticism after it emerged she had tampered with the final image that was handed out to the public.

But a friend has told The Sunday Times Kate could issue another picture next month to mark her son Prince Louis’ birthday, but nothing has been confirmed.

The source said: “They appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children and know there is a public appetite to see them on their birthdays.”

It has been reported that a source close to the Prince and Princess of Wales has said no “firm decision” has been made over whether Kate herself would take the picture or whether a professional photographer would be hired.

Whatever decision is taken, the much-loved royal pair will be hopeful that any future image they share will cause less of a stir than the last one. The Sunday Times reported that a source close to Kate said that the future Queen wanted to “bring a bit of joy” with the image of her and her children released on Mother’s Day.

However, far from quell rumours as to Kate’s health, the photoshopped image heightened the atmosphere of doubt and fed conspiracy theorists opining online about her wellbeing.

A friend of Kate’s was adamant that the edited photograph was not indicative of anything sinister or untoward. Rather, she claimed that the fact that the picture was doctored was a result of the couple’s desire to maintain their refined public image.

She told the publication: “It’s a photo that she knew everyone would pore over so she pored over it herself — she likes trying to make the family look the best they can.”