Supporters of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sparked controversy by creating and circulating an AI-generated Christmas card featuring fake images of the royal couple’s children, Archie and Lilibet.
The digital card, which surfaced two days after Christmas, was created using Canva Pro by an anonymous member of the ‘Sussex Squad’ – devoted followers of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The black-and-white image showed computer-generated versions of five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet.
The card bore the message: “Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet,” and included AI-generated versions of the couple’s rescue beagles, Mia and Guy.
‘Sussex Squad’ sparks outrage with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet photo blunder
Archewell / X
The AI-generated image contained several obvious errors that quickly revealed its artificial nature.
Archie’s cargo pants appeared distorted, with seams jutting out at an unnatural angle, while his hair mysteriously faded around the sides.
The floor tiles in the image curved unnaturally around Lilibet’s leg, defying normal perspective.
One of the AI-generated beagles showed a particularly glaring error, with its right leg disappearing completely into the background while another appeared to tower above it unnaturally.
Both children’s hands and feet were conspicuously hidden from view – a common limitation of current AI technology, which often struggles to render these features accurately.
The children’s appearances also raised doubts, with social media users noting they “don’t even look like brother and sister.”
The image sparked widespread criticism on social media, with royal fans condemning the “ridiculous” attempt to present it as authentic.
“The kids don’t even look like brother and sister. They look exactly what they are. AI,” wrote one critic on social media.
Meghan and Harry fiercely protect their children’s privacy
Getty
“The dogs are hysterical,” another user commented.
Others pointed out specific technical flaws, with one observer noting: “Hidden hands and feet are very strange. AI can’t do hands and feet properly yet.”
“This is c**p photoshop. [Archie’s] trouser seam isn’t joined together,” remarked another critic.
“A complete fabrication, 100 per cent AI,” declared one user. “And to think some people will believe this is real.”
Eagle-eyed royal fans also identified the card’s template as readily available on Canva Pro, confirming its artificial origins.
The Sussex Squad are fierce supporters of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Getty
The AI-generated card was widely shared across social media platforms, particularly on X, formerly Twitter, where it drew significant attention from royal watchers.
The Sussex Squad’s attempts to present the image as genuine were met with widespread scepticism and criticism from the online community.
The image particularly drew attention for its use of elements similar to the Sussexes’ genuine festive communications, such as Lilibet’s dress design matching one seen in their official holiday card.
Despite the obvious artificial nature of the image, some social media users expressed concern that others might believe it to be authentic.
“I can’t believe people think [Meghan] actually shared that,” wrote one user. “It’s getting ridiculous at this point.”
