Aussie cafe responds after Harry and Meghan ‘visit’ backlash

A local cafe in San Remo has claimed Harry and Meghan stopped by for a cuppa. Naturally, social media went into overdrive and we pounced.

Everyone wants a piece of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle right now. Some have been lucky to catch a glimpse of the famous pair during their whirlwind Aussie tour of Melbourne and Sydney – like our very own entertainment reporter, Bronte Coy, who has been a part of the official media crew following them around at various engagements.

Then, there are those who need to fake a sighting, like this bakery in San Remo.

Beachside Bakehouse, a tiny cafe located in the coastal town of Victoria, was so desperate to have the former royals pop in for a visit that they decided to stitch something up.

Taking to social media with a gorgeous shot of Harry and Meghan sitting outside their cafe, the crew claimed that the duo took some time out of their busy schedules and casually walked in for a cuppa.

Meghan and Harry visit a cafe in San Remo … apparently. Picture: Instagram / Beachside Bakehouse
 

“Just your casual Tuesday at the Bakehouse … until Harry & Meghan roll in. We always said we were fit for royalty … just didn’t think they’d actually take us up on it,” the bakery shared.

“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?”

WHAT are the chances right? Unbelievable. What is also hard to imagine is the fact that Harry mysteriously has more hair, a bizarre looking foot under the table, and the worst of the snap … they drank their frothy cappuccinos in a mug. Gasp. They would NEVER.

The San Remo bakery… fit for royalty. Picture: Instagram / Beachside BakehouseWe weren’t the only ones doubtful. Hundreds of people flooded to the comments to call out the bakery for creating a fake image of the famous couple – some even listing all the reasons why it was obviously not real.

“AI for sure. Don’t even look like that now. Meghan’s dress from previous visit to Australia,” one person commented.

“AI Harry has less hair,” another added.

“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,” another said, semi supporting the move.

One person almost fell for it, admitting: “Haha almost got me” while some actually did.

“Beautiful photo lucky you they chose you for a coffee,” one gullible customer wrote.

What’s funnier is the cafe kept playing along with the narrative that they really did visit.

“Super lucky they just decided to roll on in,” they responded.

All the obvious signs of AI – Harry’s weird toes, his full head of hair and coffee in a mug. Yeah, nah. Picture: Instagram / Beachside Bakehouse
Bronte, our reporter on the ground, was adamant there was no time for coffee stopovers in between hospital visits and mental health talks among other official commitments. And when news.com.au put a call in to the cheeky bakery to find out what the deal was, we joined a bit of a scramble.

The manager/owner was both “unavailable” and “not there” before someone else was asked to provide a comment to which we could overhear someone dead keen on not wanting to be involved. Then, an email to send an inquiry to, and some minutes later, finally an answer.

Or rather, a confession.

An ACTUAL visit Harry and Megs made – to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Picture: Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)

And another at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (Anvam). Picture: Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP
The image is fake. Well, der.

“Hilarious! This is in fact an AI image. We just thought we’d jump on board the Harry and Meghan visit to Australia, and just make it as a bit of fun,” the bakery responded.

“The post was intended as a bit of lighthearted fun for our community, and we’ve been blown away by the response. It’s been great exposure for a small local business like ours.”

OK so AI images are not their forte, they get that, so now it’s back to sticking to what they do know.

“We’re just focused on what we do best – serving our customers fresh, quality baked goods and good coffee every day.

“In less than 24 hours the post has attracted over 200,000 views and been shared more than 150 times. Crazy the power of social media – even if it’s AI generated.”