Royal Cameo or Social Misstep? The Saga of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at Kris Jenner’s 70th Birthday Bash

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrived hand-in-hand at Kris Jenner’s star-studded, James Bond-themed 70th birthday celebration in Beverly Hills, it looked like a glamorous guest appearance. The event, hosted at Jeff Bezos’s estate, gathered arguably every major Hollywood A-lister: from Mariah Carey and Adele to Snoop Dogg and Justin Bieber. (Sources: People; Radio Times)

Meghan, 44, chose a sleek all-black ensemble — a long-sleeved top paired with a flowing skirt — and accessorised simply, while Harry kept it classic in a black tuxedo and bow tie, also wearing a poppy in honour of Remembrance Day. (Source: People)

But behind the red-carpet poses and high-glamour entrance lies a more tangled narrative: a “guest of honour” moment that may not have felt as honoured as it looked. Shortly after the celebration, Kris Jenner posted a carousel of images from the evening under the caption “Magical night celebrating my 70th birthday with beautiful family and friends.” (Source: New York Post) Yet notably, Meghan and Harry were absent from the published gallery of photos. What happened?

The Missing Photos That Sparked a Frenzy

The disappearance of Meghan and Harry from Jenner’s Instagram posts triggered a flood of online commentary. Fans noticed that both Kris Jenner and her daughter Kim Kardashian had originally posted photos featuring the couple, then, without public explanation, those images were quietly removed. (Sources: The Cut; Cosmopolitan)

Media outlets initially reported that the deletion stemmed from the couple refusing to sign photo-consent forms. But an exclusive source told People: “There were no consent forms.” (Source: People)

Other reports suggest the motive may have been more subtle: the timing of the posts coincided with Remembrance Sunday in the UK — a solemn day — and the Sussexes may have asked for removal to avoid negative perceptions. (Source: Elle)

Brand, Royals, and an International Image Balancing Act

Beyond the Instagram drama, the entire episode sheds light on the delicate balancing act Meghan and Harry continue to navigate: between Hollywood celebrity and royal legacy. Sources told Page Six that Meghan was in “networking mode” at the event — using the celebrity-packed guest list as an opportunity to connect. (Source: Page Six)

Yet at the same time, some royal insiders were reportedly dismayed. One insider told Page Six: “It truly shows that Harry is so far removed from the rest of the family. These people may be stars in America, but the pure ostentatiousness is at odds with what Prince William is trying to do with his life and the monarchy.” (Source: New York Post)

The Question for Readers

So, what are we left with? A high-profile couple, a high-glamour party, and a social-media mystery. But did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry walk into Kris Jenner’s celebration expecting a welcome spotlight — only to end up sidelined? Or was the sidelining intentional — part of a strategic move by the hosts or the guests themselves? And what does this tell us about how the Sussexes control their image, especially amid such publicity-heavy settings?