Kim Kardashian on Harry & Meghan’s Photo Removal: A ‘Crazy’ Misunderstanding

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Kim Kardashian has addressed the controversy surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s request to remove photos from her Instagram following a November birthday party for Kris Jenner. The incident, dubbed “photogate,” stemmed from the royals’ discomfort with images appearing online on Remembrance Day, a British holiday honoring fallen soldiers.

The Incident & Kardashian’s Account

According to Kardashian, the initial posting of photos was done with what she and her family believed was approval. “We’re never ones to post without permission… It’s not who we are,” she stated on the Khloé in Wonderland podcast. She described the situation as “really innocent,” explaining that after the images went live, Harry and Meghan realized the timing clashed with the solemnity of Remembrance Day and asked for the photos to be taken down.

Royal Protocol vs. Hollywood Culture

The disagreement highlights a conflict between British royal protocol and the norms of Hollywood social media culture. While Harry, a veteran himself, likely reconsidered the optics of party photos on a day of remembrance, the abrupt removal reportedly frustrated Kardashian. Sources claimed she questioned the logic, given the couple’s other public appearances that night.

Image Control & The Sussexes’ Dilemma

The situation also raises questions about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s brand strategy. As brand expert Nick Ede pointed out, Harry and Meghan seem to struggle with embracing their role within the entertainment industry. Their actions suggest a desire to selectively control their image, which clashes with the realities of celebrity life.

A Minor Clash in a Larger Context

Ultimately, the incident appears to be a relatively minor clash between two worlds with different expectations. The Kardashians, accustomed to controversy, likely won’t dwell on the matter, and the royals will likely move on as well. The real story is not about who was upset, but how this moment illustrates the challenges of navigating public image in the age of social media and celebrity power.

The incident underscores how even seemingly small social media interactions can become highly scrutinized when involving prominent figures from different cultural spheres.