Viral AI Christmas Card of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Kids Sparks Controversy

In a twist of holiday cheer gone wrong, an AI-generated Christmas card featuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children has ignited a viral sensation on social media. The digital card, shared by a royal enthusiast on X, showcases an image of Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, surrounded by festive decorations in what appears to be an altered black-and-white photograph.

“Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,” the card cheerfully declared, signed off by "from Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet." However, internet sleuths quickly uncovered the card's true nature, noting it was a blatant digital fabrication composed of older publicly available images of the children, likely manipulated to create the illusion of a new portrait.

Netizens filled the comments with pointed critiques of the card's quality. “Crap photoshop… trouser seam isn't joined together,” remarked one user, while others referenced the peculiar absence of detail in the children's hands and feet, suggesting that the AI technology is still in its infancy when it comes to rendering realistic images.

“That is NOT Archie! That’s AI,” one astute commenter proclaimed, as skepticism over the card's authenticity mounted. Many voiced their disappointment, labeling it “pathetic fakery,” and underscoring the scrutiny celebrities often face in the age of artificial intelligence.

This backlash comes on the heels of the actual Christmas card released by Prince Harry and Meghan earlier this month. Their official card featured a collection of six images, including a heartwarming shot of Archie and Lilibet running toward their parents, evoking a genuine family moment. The accompanying message from the couple emphasized their commitment to philanthropy, showcasing their involvement in various charitable events throughout the year. One image even depicted Harry visiting a hospitalized individual, highlighting their ongoing dedication to humanitarian efforts.

Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have settled in Montecito, California, focusing on their family and philanthropic initiatives. However, this AI-generated mishap has raised questions about the authenticity of online representations of public figures, sparking a broader conversation about the influence of technology on personal narratives.

The holiday season may be a time for joy, but in the age of AI, it’s clear that not all festive greetings come from the heart. As the internet continues to dissect this faux pas, one can only imagine what other surprises the digital world holds in store.