An AI-generated Christmas card featuring an image of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, has gone viral and drawn heavy criticism.
- January 1, 2025
AceShowbiz - In the age of digital manipulation, celebrities have constantly fallen victims to fake photos and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's family is no exception. An AI-generated Christmas card featuring the couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, has generated heated debates online.
A black-and-white image has gone viral, showcasing the children with their faces in clear view. They appear older than their last public photos, and eagle-eyed netizens were quick to point out the signs of AI involvement.
The controversial card, which first surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), reads, "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet." It features AI-generated images of the children standing side by side, dressed in casual, cozy outfits. Behind them are the AI versions of the Sussexes' rescue dogs, Mia and Guy. However, the card's authenticity was soon questioned, with fans and critics noting several inconsistencies.
From curving tiles around Lilibet's leg to Archie's awkward hair, there were clear indicators of AI's involvement. "The kids don't even look like brother and sister. They look like exactly what they are AI," one user remarked. Others pointed out that one of the dog's legs appears to vanish, and Archie's trouser seam juts out at a peculiar angle.
Critics took to social media to voice their opinions, branding the image as "ridiculous" and "c**p photoshop." One fan noted, "Hidden hands and feet are very strange. AI can't do hands and feet properly yet," highlighting a common limitation of AI-generated imagery.
Adding fuel to the fire, many were outraged by the fact that people believed the card was shared by Meghan and Harry themselves, leading to further confusion. "I can't believe people think [Meghan] actually shared that. It's getting ridiculous at this point," a third user commented.
Before the fake card's widespread sharing, Harry and Meghan's real Christmas card, which features their children with their backs facing the camera, shows a more authentic and intimate moment. The couple's genuine card displays six photo highlights from the year, capturing moments from their trips to Nigeria and Colombia, and marks their holiday greetings.
The AI-generated faux card has sparked concerns over the ethical implications of creating and sharing digitally altered images, particularly those involving children. It's a reminder to be cautious and critical of the content we encounter online, especially as digital manipulation technology continues to advance.