Kris Jenner has publicly expressed her support for Meghan Markle by sharing the Duchess of Sussex's latest As Ever collection on social media, following the so-called 'photogate' controversy. The Kardashian matriarch took to Instagram on Wednesday to thank Prince Harry's wife after receiving a PR parcel containing Meghan's Mother's Day edit, which included candles inspired by her children and a box of chocolates priced at £42.
Background to the Photogate Scandal
The interaction comes after Kris's 70th birthday party was overshadowed by a mystery surrounding the deletion of photos featuring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from social media. The images, posted by Kris and her daughter Kim Kardashian, were removed 48 hours later. Kim later claimed that Harry and Meghan had changed their minds about being included in the posts, requesting their removal because they did not want to be seen partying the night before Remembrance Sunday.
Despite the global media storm and Hollywood backlash, it appears the saga has not affected Kris's support for the Duchess. This is not the first time the reality TV star has promoted Meghan's lifestyle business; she previously shared snaps of the mother-of-two's jams and wine collections.
Kris's Instagram Shoutout
On her Instagram Stories, Kris wrote: 'Thank you @meghan @aseverofficial for the beautiful Mother's Day gifts! These candles smell so delicious!! Happy Mother's Day!!!' The post showed a navy As Ever package containing two new candles paying tribute to Meghan's children, along with a box of chocolates from her collaboration with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartes. A handwritten note from the Duchess read: 'Dear Kris, Happy Mother's Day to the most maternal woman in the world.' Meghan reshared Kris's story on her As Ever Instagram account.
Kim Kardashian's Revelation
In January, Kim finally revealed that it was Meghan and Harry who apparently asked for the party pictures to be deleted because it was the night before Remembrance Sunday. Speaking on the Khloe In Wonder Land podcast, Kim said: 'I think they realised it was Remembrance Day and they didn't want to be seen at a party. We were told that it was totally cool to post. We're never ones to post without permission. It's not who we are.'
Candid photos from the James Bond-themed bash, hosted by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez at their $165 million estate in Beverly Hills, showed the Duke and Duchess cosying up to Kris. Harry wore a poppy on his lapel, but Meghan did not. The images were scrubbed from social media after being shared with millions of followers.
Conflicting Accounts
People magazine claimed that Meghan and Harry ticked a 'no' box on a photo consent form, leading to the removal. However, a source close to the event strongly refuted this, telling the Daily Mail that there were no consent forms. Another insider insisted Kris would never have asked for such a thing. Confusion also arose because photos of the Sussexes at a charity event earlier that day were not deleted.
Kim noted the distinction: 'That was fine, but maybe not partying and dancing on the dance floor. So we took them down to respect Remembrance Day.' She added, 'Mom and Meghan have been friends for some years now, and they have a really sweet relationship.' While photos of Harry and Meghan were deleted, other celebrity guests like Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Mark Zuckerberg, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, and the hosts remained on social media.
Kris's Ongoing Support
Shortly after photogate, Kris showed support by sharing a trailer for Meghan's Netflix Christmas special, With Love, Meghan. The Duchess's connection to Kris dates back to August 2023, when Meghan's mother Doria Ragland crossed paths with Kris and Kim at a charity event. In March 2024, Harry went on a ski trip with Kris's boyfriend Corey Gamble, and a month later, Meghan sent Kris an exclusive first taste of her fruit preserves. Last summer, she sent more gifts, including bottles of her 2024 Napa Valley Rosé wine from As Ever.
Kris also shared a photo of the wine on her Stories, tagging Meghan and As Ever. The Duchess sent Khloe Kardashian a deluxe hamper with wine, preserves, and vegetables. When Khloe posted snaps from Kylie Jenner's 28th birthday party featuring the hamper, she forgot to tag Meghan, but the Duchess reposted it with the caption 'Hey hey, all my girls with a K.' Fans called out the family's failure to acknowledge Meghan, but the gesture underscored the ongoing bond.
