X exploded this morning as droves of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fans insisted that the newest photo of the former working royals depicted either “AI or borrowed kids”.
The couple’s controversial Christmas card came to viewers’ attentions after it was featured by GB News. Kate Middleton had also came under scrutiny this year, with a picture of her being withdrawn from multiple photo agencies over claims it was heavily edited – something she admitted in a statement – and now it is Harry and Meghan’s turn under the spotlight.
One sceptical fan argued: “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released a FRAUDULENT Christmas photo. Archie hasn’t grown in two years and is the same size as his younger sister… What is this garbage?”
The photo, which featured the couple with their two children, whose backs are turned to the camera, and three dogs, had a backdrop of a nature scene surrounded by trees. However, unconvinced fans pointed out various ways the photo could have been manipulated and questioned how recent the depiction of the children was.
“In this day and age, with the quality of cameras , is this blurred c**p the best they could achieve? What are they hiding?” one demanded to know. Another agreed: “The only one in focus is Meghan. Fake photo.”
“Archie doesn’t look like he’s grown in well over a year, and the daughter looks like she’s his height now,” a third suggested before jokily quipping: “Rent a kid for the holidays.”
Another quizzed: “How is Lily [Lilibet] as tall as Archie? Where is the hair Lily can almost sit on? Who thought this scene with such OBVIOUS staging was a good idea?”
While others pointed out alleged Photoshop fails they’d spotted, including uncertainty about how parts of the image were aligned, one fan argued that the “low quality” photos, without showing their kids’ faces, were all part of a “cunning PR ploy to build intrigue”.
One questioned a “digitally altered outline” around Meghan and suggested the dogs were “superimposed” and had not been present in the original image.
While the Christmas picture attracted some negative attention, other fans were filled with festive cheer when they saw it, taking to X to share that they “absolutely loved” it.
One fought back at the criticism, arguing: “If Harry and Meghan’s Christmas card makes you foam at the mouth, then maybe it’s time to seek some help for your anger management and psychology issues. Because there’s clearly something wrong with you if you’re angry at a silly Christmas card.”
Meanwhile, Kensington Palace released a digitally altered Mother’s Day photo from Princess Kate last spring, sparking a public apology.
After it was withdrawn by five photo agencies, she explained on social media: “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.”