‘Deepfake’ Queen’s Christmas speech to be aired on British television

Alternative festive message is a warning about misinformation and fake news

A digitally rendered Queen Elizabeth will deliver an alternative Christmas Day message on British TV in a warning against fake news and misinformation. 

A digitally rendered "deepfake" version of Queen Elizabeth II's annual Christmas speech will be broadcast on British TV on Christmas Day.

The alternative message is intended as a warning about the dangers of misinformation and fake news.

The Queen speaks to the British public from her palace in Sandringham every Christmas in an often unremarkable address broadcast on TV.

But in this deepfake version, a computer-generated Queen will share her thoughts on the departure of Harry and Meghan from the UK, and the scandal surrounding her son the Duke of York.

She can also be seen performing a dance routine and reveals her love of watching Netflix with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh.

The message, which will be shown on Channel 4 on terrestrial television, begins: “On the BBC, I haven’t always been able to speak plainly and from the heart. So, I am grateful to Channel 4 for giving me the opportunity to say whatever I like, without anyone putting words in my mouth.”

Deepfake technology can create convincing but completely manufactured video content of high-profile figures, most notably of former US president Barack Obama, who has been the subject of a number of such videos.

The artificial rendering of the Queen, devised by special effects creatives at Framestore, was directed by William Bartlett.

Channel 4's alternative Christmas message airs as an alternative the BBC broadcast of the Queen's official message to the nation.

Ian Katz, director of programmes at Channel 4, said: “Deepfake technology is the frightening new frontier in the battle between misinformation and truth.

“This year’s Alternative Christmas Address – seemingly delivered by one of the most familiar and trusted figures in the nation – is a powerful reminder that we can no longer trust our own eyes.”