AI-picture of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children sparks outrage

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.

The AI-generated image contained several obvious errors that quickly revealed its artificial nature.

The floor tiles in the image curved unnaturally around Lilibet's leg.

In addition, one of the AI-generated beagles showed a particularly glaring error.

Its right leg disappeared 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 image sparked widespread criticism on social media, with royal fans condemning the "ridiculous" attempt to present it as authentic.

"The dogs are hysterical," one 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."

"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 AI-generated card was widely shared across social media platforms, particularly on X, formerly Twitter, where it drew significant attention from royal watchers.

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 Christmas card, released in December last year.

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."