A fabricated image of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Archie and Lilibet, has been circulating on social media, sparking controversy just weeks after the couple released their official virtual Christmas card.

The festive card conveyed warm wishes, reading:
“On behalf of the office of Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation.
We wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful New Year.”

The card featured six photos showcasing the couple engaged in their charitable efforts, alongside a heartwarming shot of them crouching with outstretched arms as their children ran towards them. However, the children’s faces were not visible.

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 amidst allegations of racism within the royal household regarding Archie’s skin tone and Meghan’s struggles with mental health due to relentless public scrutiny, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have prioritized maintaining their children’s privacy after relocating to Montecito, Los Angeles.

Following the release of their Christmas card, an AI-generated image of Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, surfaced online, angering fans. The black-and-white image depicted the siblings appearing much older than they did in the Sussexes’ most recent official photos.

The fake card read:
“Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. From Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”