Kate Middleton apologises and admits editing Mother's Day photo

The photograph was shared with media on Sunday but it was withdrawn by international picture agencies later the same day because of concerns the image had been manipulated. Picture: The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram

Kate Middleton has apologised and admitted to editing a Mother's Day photo of her children and herself.

The image of Kate and her children, said by the Royal Family to have been taken by Britain's Prince William, was posted on social media.

The photograph was shared with media on Sunday but it was withdrawn by international picture agencies later the same day because of concerns the image had been manipulated.

On Monday morning, on social media, Kate apologised for the image.

On the couple's joint-X account, she wrote:  “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."

Royal commentator Peter Hunt said: “This is damaging for the royals.

“They knew there would be intense interest in any picture they released of Kate.

“Their challenge is that people will now question whether they can be trusted and believed when they next issue a health update.”