Meghan Markle, often dubbed the Duchess of AI-generated friendships and the queen of Photoshop, is back in the spotlight—and not for the right reasons. This time, a recent Instagram post featuring her daughter, Lilibet, playing a game of "cerand" (a playful term for tennis) with "Auntie Serena" Williams has sparked widespread skepticism.
The video, which appears to showcase a heartwarming moment between Lilibet and the tennis legend, has left many questioning its authenticity. For those who’ve been following Meghan’s social media presence, this latest post feels like another meticulously crafted attempt to project an image of a perfect, celebrity-filled life.
One of the first things that caught the attention of eagle-eyed viewers was Serena Williams’ hairstyle in the video. It doesn’t match any of her recent public appearances, leading some to speculate that the footage might have been recorded weeks or even months ago. The hairstyle closely resembles the one Serena sported during the Super Bowl halftime show, raising questions about the video’s timing.
The overall aesthetic of the clip has also drawn criticism. It carries the same overly polished, almost artificial sheen that has become a hallmark of Meghan’s social media posts. The scene feels staged, reminiscent of those awkwardly airbrushed family Christmas cards where everyone looks like a wax figure—perfectly posed but lacking any genuine warmth or authenticity.
Another point of contention is Meghan’s repeated use of the term “Auntie” when referring to Serena Williams. Given Meghan’s well-documented estrangement from most of her own family, it’s curious that she reserves such familial titles for her celebrity friends. This has led many to wonder if the relationship is as close as Meghan wants her audience to believe—or if it’s simply another attempt to gain validation from the world of fame.
Serena, who has been thriving in her post-tennis career, seems focused on her own endeavors, while Meghan appears preoccupied with crafting a narrative of victimhood and public scrutiny. The contrast between the two women’s lives has only fueled speculation about the authenticity of their friendship.
Some internet sleuths have suggested that the video isn’t new at all. Instead, they believe it might be part of Meghan’s extensive collection of pre-recorded “candid” moments, strategically released whenever she needs a PR boost. Could it be that Serena was roped into this playdate months ago, with Meghan holding onto the footage until it was most beneficial for her public image?
This wouldn’t be the first time Meghan has monetized her family life. From children’s books aimed at young readers to suspiciously timed Netflix promotions coinciding with personal milestones, Meghan has a history of blending her personal and professional lives in ways that often feel calculated.
Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the video’s release. It comes just days before the premiere of Meghan’s new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan. This kind of self-promotion feels all too familiar, leading many to wonder if the video is less about showcasing genuine friendship and more about drumming up interest in her latest project.
Once upon a time, every move Meghan and Harry made generated global intrigue and excitement. But now, even their so-called “big reveals” are often met with a collective eye roll. In an age where authenticity is increasingly valued, Meghan’s carefully curated posts are starting to feel out of touch.
Some have even joked that Meghan should fully embrace the tools at her disposal. “Why not deepfake herself into the Royal Family’s Christmas photos, generate a few digital versions of Archie and Lilibet, and call it a day?” one critic quipped.
At the end of the day, whether this video is AI-generated, pre-recorded, or simply another desperate effort to demonstrate her social relevance, one thing is clear: Meghan’s ability to manufacture a reality that fits her narrative is remarkable. Unfortunately for her, the public’s appetite for these manufactured moments seems to be waning.
As the spectacle continues, it’s hard not to wonder just how far Meghan will go to maintain her carefully curated public persona. In the quest for relevance, authenticity has become a casualty—and it’s a loss that’s becoming harder to ignore.
