The recent deletion of photographs featuring Meghan Markle and Prince Harry from Kris Jenner's 70th birthday celebration has sparked a major controversy, with a leading PR expert suggesting it could have long-term consequences for the couple's social standing.
The Instagram Uproar
Last week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex found themselves at the centre of a media storm after images of them at the James Bond-themed birthday bash were posted, and then abruptly removed, from the Instagram accounts of both Kris Jenner and her daughter, Kim Kardashian. This immediate deletion caused confusion amongst fans and ignited widespread rumours of a potential feud between Meghan and the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
The situation was made more puzzling by the fact that the couple had been openly photographed by paparazzi both arriving at and departing from the high-profile event. The removed pictures included a smiling shot of Meghan posing with Kim Kardashian, another with Meghan placing a hand on Kris Jenner's shoulder as Prince Harry pulled a silly face, and a third showing Meghan about to hug Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.
Expert Analysis on the Fallout
Natalie Trice, a public relations and branding expert, has exclusively told the Daily Mail that this incident could damage the Sussexes' reputation within elite Hollywood circles. She warned that if the couple did indeed request the removal of the photos, it sends a message that is both 'confusing and ungracious'.
'This kind of post-party image control can come across as overly curated or even dismissive,' stated Trice, founder of Natalie Trice Publicity. 'It sends a message that their team wants the access, but not the accountability that comes with it. In Hollywood circles, that can be seen as both confusing and ungracious.'
Future Invitations in Jeopardy
With the busy holiday season approaching, filled with A-list parties, the expert theorised that hosts may now think twice before inviting the couple. 'They likely will [get invitations], but perhaps with more discretion or tension and may not be in that room again. The problem isn't the attendance, it's the after,' Trice explained.
She elaborated that hosts may be more hesitant to include them if it means navigating post-event 'image management demands.' This kind of 'post-event fuss' is something high-profile planners would prefer to avoid during a busy period.
Regarding any future public appearances with the Kardashians, Trice believes it is 'unlikely in the near future'. She added, 'If the Kardashians feel their generosity or platform has been undermined, they won't forget it, and given how public the fallout has been, it's safe to assume both sides will keep their distance for now.'
Conflicting reports surround the reason for the photo deletion. While People Magazine claimed the Sussexes asked for no internal party photos to be published and had ticked a 'no' box on a consent form, a source close to the event refuted this, stating 'there were no consent forms'. A source from the Kardashian camp expressed bafflement and anger, especially since Meghan and Harry had happily posed for pictures at the Baby2Baby Gala earlier the same evening.
The invitation to Kris Jenner's party came months after Meghan sent Kris bottles of her As Ever rosé wine, which Kris publicly thanked her for on social media. This recent drama, however, casts a shadow over these previously friendly exchanges and leaves the Sussexes' future on the elite party scene uncertain.
