Meghan Markle's Lilibet birthday tribute fuels bizarre conspiracy theory as people spot 'edited' detail

On Wednesday (4 June), Meghan Markle publicly wished her daughter Lilibet, who turned four today, a happy birthday on social media.

The adorable tribute included previously unseen pictures of the Duchess of Sussex, 43, with the little one, including a sweet black and white snap where she’s cradling her youngest on a boat.

But, as to be expected like any time Meghan uploads, conspiracy theorists and trolls jumped on the chance to share their wild theories.

The Duchess has been sharing frequent insights into she and Prince Harry's picture perfect family life since 1 January, when she returned to social media following a four-year break.

In doing so, however, Meghan has caused ceaseless stirs amid critical online communities that seem committed to picking up on and pointing out her every alleged mistake - hence why she's sadly had to turn off her comments on Instagram.

Meghan shared a new black and white picture to celebrate Lilibet's fourth birthday (Instagram/@meghan)

From claiming the children are not actually 'real' because their hair colour looks different in different lights to claiming that Meghan ‘photoshopped Archie’s toes,’ the speculation has taken a bizarre turn.

And Meghan’s most recent post seems to be no different, with people on social media pointing out an ‘edited’ detail in the birthday tribute.

One X user seemed to fuel the insane conspiracy that the children are not actually Meghan and Harry's, boldly writing: “Black and white photos as this time could not get a girl with ginger hair.”

Another joined in, penning: “Which version of Lilibet is this? This version has fine, straight, blonde hair. And look who is dominating the photo…”

A third wrote: “Always monochrome. Is that easier to retouch? YES.”

With a fourth adding: “The upper body of that kid doesn't look proportional. But maybe it's just me trying to detect AI.”

Other trolls wrote: “Whose kid has she borrowed this time?” and “What a happy looking child..whoever's it is."

Unfortunately, it’s not the first time Meghan has faced bizarre accusations like these, with another recent post fuelling the narrative.

As usual with anything Meghan posts, the conspiracy theorists have made their claims (Instagram/@meghan)

Earlier this month, for example, a Mother's Day post descended into chaos, with conspiracy theorists accusing Meghan of photoshopping her son's toes.

The same image also sparked claims that the apparent darkening of the children's hair indicated they weren't the 'real' Archie and Lilibet after all.

"Where is Archie’s and Lili’s red hair this week Meghan Markle?" hit out one internet troll who clearly was perplexed by the concept of hair changing colour on camera depending on whether you're in the shade or the beaming sun.

A second chimed in: "Her hair changed colour."

"Different hair colour too," quipped a third, while a fourth echoed: "Their hair is dark now too."

It's not the first time the Duchess has been met with wild claims (Instagram/@meghanmarkle)

And another questioned: "And what about Archie’s hair?"

"Coarse, thick, curly and red… to black and dead straight."

Despite the relentless claims, if social media is anything to go by, the family seem to be thriving since making the move overseas.

The mother-of-two and Prince Harry, 40, tied the knot in 2018 before welcoming their first child Prince Archie, now six, a year later, before their daughter came along.

And for those who aren't up to speed, in 2020 the couple stepped back from their Royal duties and moved to California - Meghan's home state.