Aussie cafe responds to eyebrow raising photo of Meghan Markle, Prince Harry posted during Down Under tour

On the third day of their tour, Aussies were puzzled by one particular photo capturing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Headshot of Chloe Maher
Chloe Maher
The Nightly
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Credit: AAP

An Aussie cafe has raised eyebrows after posting a photo that appears to show Meghan Markle and Prince Harry popping by to enjoy a cup of joe during their Australian tour.

Beachside Bakehouse in Victoria’s coastal town of San Remo shared the image of the Sussex’s seemingly seated at an outdoor dining table holding blue mugs of coffee as they posed for a photo.

“Just your casual Tuesday at the Bakehouse… until Harry & Meghan roll in,” the caption accompanying the Instagram post read.

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“We always said we were fit for royalty… just didn’t think they’d actually take us up on it.

“Harry & Meghan couldn’t resist a sneaky little stop during their Aussie trip (We’re guessing it was for the pies… but the coffee definitely sealed the deal maybe they just wanted to have a coffee with the boss)

“Low-key thinking we might need to rename it The Royal Bakehouse now… what do we reckon? Next round’s on you Haz.”

The picture-perfect scene was quickly picked apart as social media users pointed out a number of inconsistencies including Harry’s eye colour and Meghan’s outfit.

“This is obviously AI because Harry doesn’t have anywhere near that much hair and Meghan looks a lot older in all the other pictures from the tour. But I’m all for a small business cashing in on the visit. Others should join in,” one person wrote.

Another said: “It’s AI Harry has Blue eyes.”

“AI for sure. Don’t even look like that now. Meghan’s dress from previous visit to Australia,” a third suggested.

In a statement provided to The Nightly, Beachside Bakehouse owner Emily confirmed suspicions that the photo was too good to be true.

A cafe in Victoria shared this photo to Instagram that appeared to show Meghan Markle and Price Harry enjoying a coffee at its venue.
A cafe in Victoria shared this photo to Instagram that appeared to show Meghan Markle and Price Harry enjoying a coffee at its venue. Credit: Instagram @Beachsidebakehouse

“Yes, the image shared on our Instagram was AI-generated. It was created and posted as a bit of light-hearted fun while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were visiting Australia,” she said.

She assured the fake photo was not shared with malicious intent and hoped it would be a source of entertainment.

“The intention was simply to have a bit of fun with the moment, and it certainly captured people’s attention — with many having to take a second look,” she added.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong engagement, plenty of laughs, and lots of people joining in on the joke both online and in-store.”

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