Leah Berenson

Leah Berenson

January 20, 2025

Edited Image of Harry and Meghan’s Children Causes Uproar Among Fans

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle have made headlines numerous times over the years. From their charitable acts, television appearances, and their darling love story, to the rumors regarding the reason the pair split from the royal family, they’re often in the media. As such, it’s unsurprising that their recent holiday card captured audiences. However, it didn’t take long for fans to note some concerns. 

A Holiday Card Sparks Debate

A family Christmas card from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Image Credit: NY Post

Like millions around the world, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle created a holiday card, showcasing amazing memories from their year. The pair opted to highlight several moments from their year, including a trip to Nigeria and a heartwarming image of their children.

The Real Image

Kids running to their parents. Dogs and greenery in the background.
Image Credit: NY Post

The image shows the Duke and Duchess of Sussex kneeling down, arms outstretched, as their children run to them for a warm embrace. 

Along with the images, and a simple yet elegant green background was a holiday message of warm wishes. “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation,” the message said. “We wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year.”

Read More: Prince Harry Speaks On Rumors That He and Meghan Markle Are Divorcing

The Fake Image

An AI generated image of Prince Harry's children.
Image Credit: NY Post

While the card was well-designed and captured the family’s loving essence, it wasn’t long before another image of the children began circulating the internet and fans were concerned by the modifications, noting that AI had a large hand in making the card. 

The AI image is of the children, 5-year-old Archie and 3-year-old Lilibet. Firstly, fans noted that the children didn’t look their appropriate ages. Secondly, fans noted that the children didn’t look like either of their parents. Lastly, it’s difficult to generate an accurate image of someone you’ve rarely seen. 

Privacy and Protection

The pair is notorious for keeping their children out of the limelight, stepping down from their roles as Duke and Duchess to protect the privacy and integrity of their family. “Our kids are young. They’re three and five. They’re amazing. But all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there, and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good,” Meghan shared. 

Therefore, there are few examples to give context to the images, accurately depicting how the children look. Particularly, because the original image shows only the backs of the children. According to the NY Post, the image was “fan-generated” and people weren’t happy about it. 

Fans Comment

“A complete fabrication, 100% AI. And to think some people will believe this is real,” one fan wrote. Another said: “Lili looks more like Archie than Archie does.” 

Meanwhile, another fan had a more logical explanation for why fans knew the image was AI generated. “No one can create an AI generated picture of Archie & Lili because we simply don’t know how their faces look like. Therefore AI doesn’t know either,” they thoughtfully explained. “The last photos of their faces are from when they were babies, and children’s appearances are changing with a speed of light.” 

A Quiet Holiday

Furthermore, some fans were angry on behalf of Meghan and Harry, noting that an image like this is not only false but also an invasion of privacy. Despite the drama surrounding the fabricated image, Prince Harry and Meghan enjoyed a quiet holiday with their children and Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland at their home. Following the peaceful yet joyful holiday, they brought in the New Year in an unconventional way. 

A Tragedy Leads to Rare Sighting

Sadly, shortly after the festivities, Meghan said goodbye to her fur baby, Guy. “Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know,” she wrote on Instagram. She included a heartwarming video of precious moments spent with Guy, and in the video fans get a tiny glimpse of Archie and Lilibet, according to Town&Country.  

The Heartwarming Post

Meghan noted in the heartfelt tribute that fans will have an opportunity to see more of her fur baby in her upcoming Netflix “lifestyle” series,  With Love, Meghan. “Because many of you will now see Guy in this new series, I hope you’ll come to understand why I am so devastated by his loss. I think you may fall a little bit in love too,” she wrote. “I have cried too many tears to count – the type of tears that make you get in the shower with the absurd hope that the running water on your face will somehow make you not feel them, or pretend they’re not there. But they are. And that’s okay too.” 

Read More: Prince Harry Feels ‘Guilty’ That Meghan Markle Had to Sacrifice Hollywood Career to Become a Royal

New Netflix Series

The series will follow the former model on her daily life where fans will get tips and tricks for fans to “create a beautiful and joyful life.” Meghan will spend time in the kitchen, garden, and incredibly, at a beehive. Originally, the series was set to air in January. However, due to her unexpected heartbreak, she requested the release date be pushed back and Netflix obliged, changing the air date to March 4th. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again thrust into the spotlight as fans address concerns regarding the fake holiday photo. Meanwhile, the family is seemingly pressing forward, continuing to respect their privacy and fulfilling their hopes and dreams.