As Nag explained, it is gradually becoming more difficult to discern between images generated by AI and those directly doctored through the use of programs like Photoshop. This is due in large part to the fact that modern Photoshop versions have AI touch-up features like Generative Fill integrated. There are signs that these integrated tools were used in the Middleton image.
“One inconclusive but suggestive sign that it was AI is Princess Charlotte’s left sleeve, which shows a strange background texture (of her skirt, apparently) floating ahead of the top of her sleeve. This is consistent with the use of Photoshop’s Generative AI tool, which is still improving and can result in artifacts like this.”
However, Nag also notes that the evidence in the image seems more indicative of image compositing than full AI generation, explaining that the aforementioned sign could be caused by “compositing multiple layers together and leaving the wrong section visible.”
“One unusual aspect of the image which does NOT look like AI is Prince Louis’ right fingers; AI doesn’t tend to create novel but biomechanically possible poses (as this is), instead making far more obvious mistakes that are outright implausible.”
Nag posits that the image may have been doctored through compositing in an effort to get consistent photogenic faces on all of Middleton’s children, a classic difficulty for parents taking photos.
