Plenty of people have been tricked by a fake advert into turning up to a Christmas market at Buckingham Palace – only to discover it doesn’t exist
Tourists and Londoners are flocking to a Christmas market at Buckingham Palace that doesn’t exist.
The festive revellers have been duped by an AI advert online that showed imaginary stalls outside the King’s home.
Social media sites including TikTok, Facebook and Instagram shared the picture, since taken down, showing wooden stalls and strings of fairy lights in front of the royal residence.
Holidaymakers are turning up in their droves for the magical scam but found only locked gates and puddles.
One said: “Oh, we’ve come for a Christmas market that’s not here.
“I was going to enjoy a mulled wine and now I’ve got my chicken sandwiches.”
Another said: “Everyone’s fallen for this AI-generated advertising.
“We see the funny side of it, really, we’re going to go find alternatives.”
And a third disappointed tourist said: “I am very disappointed.”
Buckingham Palace is hosting a small Christmas pop-up kiosk for the first time this year.
The Royal Mews Christmas Shop, open until January 5, is selling festive editions of official royal gifts, with seasonal “drinks and nibbles” also available for shoppers.
Announcing the festival boutique, the Royal Collection Trust said: “Please note that the Royal Mews Christmas Shop is a pop-up shop selling Royal Collection Trust festive products.
“There will not be a Christmas market at Buckingham Palace.”