While some critics questioned why the image did not feel particularly festive, others were far more skeptical. Social media users soon began speculating that the photograph had been digitally altered. The accusations echoed the online uproar surrounding the family’s 2023 Christmas card, which prompted intense scrutiny when viewers claimed Prince William’s legs appeared to be missing behind Princess Charlotte’s chair, and that Prince Louis’ middle finger seemed oddly absent.
This year, similar theories surfaced almost immediately. On Reddit, several users suggested that the image looked artificial, with one claiming it appeared “fake” and overly staged. Another accused the family of presenting a carefully curated, middle-class countryside aesthetic. Others focused specifically on Princess Kate, suggesting she looked as though she had been added into the photograph later. Some pointed to her hand placement, claiming it did not appear to be resting naturally on Prince George, while others questioned whether the family had even been together when the photo was taken.