AI Images of Fake Palace Market Mislead Tourists

Tourists and locals have arrived at Buckingham Palace in recent days, expecting to find a festive Christmas market, only to discover the event does not exist. The viral images promising wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and a grand Christmas tree in front of the royal residence were generated by artificial intelligence and shared widely on social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

The deception began circulating weeks ago, with posts from accounts boasting large followings, such as one with 2.5 million subscribers run by a U.S.-based travel company. These images depicted snow-dusted market huts lined up along the palace forecourt, complete with holiday shoppers and seasonal treats like mulled wine and hot chocolate. However, closer inspection revealed telltale signs of fakery: lights appearing to float in midair without visible supports, obscured faces on crowds, and illegible signage on stalls. Notably, the setups showed market elements positioned behind the palace's secure gates, an impossibility given the site's strict security protocols.

Eager visitors, undeterred by the online buzz, made their way to central London starting around early December....