Social media conspiracy theorists have latched onto Meghan and Harry’s Christmas holiday card to fuel outrageous speculations about the couple, including an absurd claim that they used AI or “borrowed” children to pose as Archie and Lilibet.
On Twitter, a group of critics targeting the Sussexes has alleged that the image was “digitally altered” and bizarrely suggested that showing their children from behind is less about maintaining privacy and more about the children allegedly “not existing.”
One conspiracy theorist even stated that the Sussexes decided to “rent a kid for the holidays,” adding to a wave of comments that also scrutinized Archie and Lilibet’s height and hair color, given how rarely they are seen in public.
Numerous Twitter users crudely annotated the pictures with what they perceived as flaws, using scribbles reminiscent of a child’s drawing style.
However, a Photoshop expert informed MailOnline today that the image appears authentic. Additionally, a prominent Fleet Street photographer noted that while the photo seems “very staged” to present the family as “the perfect family,” he does not believe it was created using AI.
This scrutiny follows the Princess of Wales’ revelation in March that she had edited her official Mother’s Day portrait, which was shared by Kensington Palace.
As a result, increased attention has been directed at Harry and Meghan’s photos, particularly one depicting Princess Lilibet running into Prince Harry’s waiting arms, while Meghan, 42, extended her arms for a hug with Prince Archie.
Critics questioned various elements, such as the angle of Meghan’s feet, the length of her left arm, Archie’s legs and stride, Lilibet’s walking posture, and even the image quality, claiming the heartwarming photo might be “fake.”
Several skeptics argued that the images are intentionally low-resolution to conceal imperfections—rather than acknowledging that they are merely small and printed on a card.
A Twitter user identifying as a royal historian commented: “Meghan’s arm is twice as long as a normal arm. The black dog has 3 legs and a strange shimmering edge to his body. Archie went from dark auburn hair to dead straight ginger hair. Meghan’s feet face forward but her torso is side on. Both kids are exactly the same height despite a two-year age difference.”
Social media users have been closely examining the Sussexes’ photos, with some making unfounded accusations that the King’s grandchildren are not real and were replaced by stand-ins. One skeptical royal enthusiast claimed, “Archie hasn’t grown in two years and is the same size as his younger sister… What is this garbage?”
Another questioned, “Who thought this scene with such OBVIOUS staging was a good idea?”
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle sparks outrage with missing keyword on Christmas card
According to GB News, many fans have expressed disappointment in the Duke and Duchess for omitting the word “Christmas” from their recent card. One fan remarked that this choice “offends Christians all over the world.”
Another questioned, “Holiday season is summer, isn’t it?”
A third individual added, “Don’t bother sending a card if it’s not a Christmas card! Why bother?”
Some also criticized the design of the card, with one person commenting, “Gets worse every day – doesn’t even look like a Christmas card,” while another suggested it “looks like a promotional brochure.”
GB News presenter Ben Leo took to X, writing: “Harry and Meghan send out their Christmas cards – without the word ‘Christmas’ anywhere.”
A royal fan also chimed in, calling it “The least festive, yet most self-indulgent, card from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that doesn’t actually wish anyone a Merry Christmas.”
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