The promise of a grand Christmas market at Buckingham Palace seemed too festive to resist. Social media accounts began circulating images of a twinkling, fairy-lit winter fair set against the gates of the Royal residence. Countless tourists rushed to London, expecting Alpine-style stalls, mulled wine, artisan goods and holiday music — only to discover the attraction never existed at all.
The circulating photos, which showed stalls set against palace gates draped in glowing lights, were revealed as AI-generated. Some viewers spotted inconsistencies, from floating lights to missing security barriers, yet others believed the holiday spectacle was real. The misleading images were widely shared on TikTok and Instagram, tricking visitors who claimed they travelled specifically for the event.
