Netizens Oddly Ask If Kate Middleton Is Alive Amid 'Manipulated' Mother's Day Photo Speculations

Many are worried about Kate Middleton's health after Kensington Palace released her first official photo following her abdominal surgery in January.

On Sunday, Kensington Palace released a photo of the Princess of Wales surrounded by her and Prince William's three children -- Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, to mark Mother's Day in the United Kingdom.

The snap was reportedly taken earlier this week at their home in Windsor by Prince William, who was noticeably missing in the photo.

However, many netizens felt that it was Photoshopped. The Associated Press also issued a "kill order" claiming that the shot was "manipulated," according to People.

The recent reports questioning the authenticity of what was supposed to be Middleton's first official photo raised several eyebrows and prompted some to ask if Middleton was still alive.

"Is Kate Middleton even alive at this point?" one tweeted. Another added, "@KensingtonRoyal Kate Middleton, if you [are] still alive, call me #WhereIsKate."

"I'm so deep down in the 'Where is Kate Middleton' rabbit hole. I'm beginning to wonder if she's even alive at this point. I had paid it no mind until they released the fake photo today. Now, 9 hours later.... what happened to Kate??" a third person asked.

"It's worse than that. Kate Middleton hasn't been seen since Dec 25. This is the first official photo of her -- to kill it so publicly suggests a deeply unethical quandary with publishing it. Is she even alive? People need to stop being polite and get real," a fourth person opined.

A different user claimed that the Princess of Wales should make a public appearance to prove that she's still alive.

Another netizen said she was relieved to see Middleton "alive and well" in the Mother's Day photo, but after major agencies claimed the shot was "manipulated," the netizen felt that they were back to wondering about Middleton's whereabouts.

Days before Kensington Palace released Middleton's first official photo following her surgery, the Duchess of Cambridge was spotted in a black Audi with her mom, Carole Middleton, behind the wheel near Windsor Castle. However, many were not convinced that the woman was Middleton because her appearance was "unrecognizable." Some even claimed the person in the snap looked like Michael Jackson.

Middleton's name was also removed from a website promoting her possible return to royal duty. She was listed to lead the annual review of soldiers at the Horse Guards Parade in London on June 8. However, Kensington Palace quietly removed her name from the website promoting the event because they were reportedly not consulted about her appearance.