Commentator Kinsey Schofield has hit out at Instagram after the photo-sharing platform added a new warning to Princess Kate's latest photo.
The image, shared by the Princess of Wales on Mother's Day, caused rife speculation after eagle-eyed royal fans spotted a number of editing errors.
As a result, six international photo agencies recalled the picture from their wire system, adding to the speculation.
The Princess of Wales was forced to clarify the nature of the image and in a statement posted to X, she admitted to making the edits herself.
Princess Kate's Mother's Day post has been blocked by Instagram with a new warning
GB News / Instagram
After issuing a public apology for "any confusion caused", the social media giants Instagram placed an "altered image" warning on the royal couple's original post.
The warning claims the image has been reviewed by "independent fact-checkers" and blocks users from viewing the image without pressing "see post".
Discussing the move by Instagram, Kinsey Schofield accused the company of "bullying" the Princess of Wales as she recovers from her abdominal surgery.
Schofield said that the edited image was an "innocent mistake" by the Princess and said she has "never seen such a warning" placed on an image.
Instagram has added a warning of an 'altered photo' to the original post
Schofield told GB News: "This is the wildest thing I've ever seen. I am an Instagram junkie and never in my life have I seen a disclaimer saying that a photo has been edited."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Schofield continued: "Instagram is a place where there are entire profiles dedicated to AI women that do not exist in real life. They monetise their whole platform and they're just computers. It's just a picture of somebody that you cannot see at Walmart.
"Think about the Kardashians. I've never seen their real face on there, and I can say that confidently. So it does feel like Instagram is picking on the Princess of Wales here."
Schofield revealed she has also approached Instagram for comment on the warning, but did not receive a response.
She accused Instagram of "bullying" the Princess, but claimed the photo has become such a big controversy because Kate is "going to be Queen one day" and is a "historical figure".
Kinsey Schofield said Instagram is 'bullying' the Princess
GB News
Discussing reports first claimed in The Sunday Times, Schofield revealed that according to a "close friend" of the Prince and Princess of Wales are planning to be "more open" about the Princess's recovery from abdominal surgery, and "address the mystery".
The reports claim that the royal couple are preparing to address the situation "after Easter", when the Princess returns to public duties.
In the same piece, the friends are also said to be "concerned" about the negative effects the rumours could be having on the Princess's recovery, and any "additional stress" that the palace has tried to avoid.
Schofield said of the couple: "I hate to use the word stubborn, but they're in a position to be stubborn, because they are the most popular royals, without a doubt."
GB News has approached Instagram for comment.