IT was branded “disgusting” and in “poor taste”. And there wasn’t even a golden piano in sight.

Instead, viewers were treated to the Queen gyrating to music while dancing on top of a desk to show off “moves for TikTok” and referring to rumours of rifts in the royal family, toilet roll shortages and Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s number of children.

However, much as we’ve become accustomed to the bizarre antics of the royals, this wasn’t real.

More than 200 people have now complained to the UK’s media watchdog Ofcom about Channel 4’s alternative Christmas message, which featured a deepfake of Her Madge.

The broadcaster said its intention had been to give a “stark warning” about fake news in the digital age.

While the message did not carry a warning that it was fake, its ending revealed the duplicity: an actor was shown seated in front of a greenscreen, having her face mapped to create the digital replica.

Deepfakes use technology to create what can be convincing digital copies of real people, which can be used to spread misinformation. The term “real” is used loosely in this scenario.

In its defence, Channel 4 said it should have been obvious this was not the real Queen, who is, of course, reality personified.

A Channel 4 spokeswoman said: “It is very clear in the four-minute film that it is a parody of the Christmas Day address and viewers were left in no doubt that it was not real. However, while the film is light-hearted, affectionate and comedic in tone, it carries a very important and timely message about trust and the ease with which convincing misinformation can be created and spread.”

Some viewers expressed their distaste on social media, with some labelling the video as being “disgusting”.

Making “cheap jokes” about the royal family was in “poor taste”, said Penny Junor, a royal biographer and commentator.

“The Queen has had a tough year and making those things into a national joke is tasteless.

“She has been extraordinary during the pandemic and shown real leadership and courage, stepping up at a time when many had lost trust and faith in politics.”

Ofcom confirmed it had received 214 complaints about the episode and was now consulting the Broadcasting Code to decide whether a formal investigation is required.

Meanwhile, all too real last week was the release by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of their first podcast, in which they reflect on 2020 with a string of celebrities and activists.

Singer Sir Elton John, presenter James Corden and others feature on the inaugural episode of Archewell Audio.

It is the first offering of Prince Harry and Meghan’s podcast deal with Spotify.

“No matter what life throws at you guys, trust us when we say, love wins,” Meghan tells listeners.

This interesting and perplexing combo of royal trust and fakery seems a fitting end to an annus horribilis.

Happy new year, folks. I wish you a healthy and vaccinated 2021.