According to royal insiders, the Montecito-based couple have introduced what has been described as a surprising new “rule” regarding images captured of them at public and private events.

Sources claim Harry and Meghan have become increasingly “obsessed with image control,” a concern that has allegedly grown stronger due to the Duke of Sussex’s thinning hair.

On Monday, a source close to the couple told celebrity reporter Rob Shuter that the 41-year-old prince’s “bald spot” has become a particularly sensitive topic, especially for Meghan.

While Harry is said to make light of his hair loss among friends, insiders allege Meghan takes a much more serious approach, insisting that every image of her husband is carefully reviewed before it is released to ensure his thinning patch cannot be seen.

“They’re obsessed with image control. Every photographer, every magazine, every event,” a source told Shuter.

“It’s not about artistic direction… it’s about Harry’s hair, or what little is left.”

Behind-the-Scenes Disputes

Another source claimed the Sussexes’ representatives have even gone “head-to-head with event organisers and editors” over which photos are approved for publication.

“They’ll approve ten pictures and reject a hundred. If Harry’s bald spot catches the light wrong, it’s automatically a no,” the source alleged.

Observers have noted that a look through Meghan’s personal and professional Instagram accounts reveals no images that clearly show Harry’s thinning hair.

For Harry’s birthday in September, Meghan shared what appeared to be an older photograph of him in an official Army uniform, taken at a time when he had a fuller head of hair.

“Oh hi, Birthday boy,” Meghan captioned the post, adding a fire emoji.

The Kris Jenner Party Controversy

These claims surface just weeks after Harry and Meghan were caught up in another photo-related dispute following their appearance at Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday celebration.

The Sussexes attended the star-studded party at Jeff Bezos’ Beverly Hills mansion on November 8, alongside high-profile guests such as Oprah, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and members of the Hilton family.

In the days after the event, Kris Jenner and her daughter Kim Kardashian posted photos of themselves posing with Harry and Meghan on social media. However, the images were later quietly removed from Instagram without any public explanation.

Insiders later suggested the Sussexes’ team had asked for the photos to be taken down, fearing the images could upset the royal family and spark a “major PR headache.”

Fallout With the Kardashians

According to one source, the request did not go down well with Kim Kardashian, 45.

“It’s a slap in the face- and one she (Kim) can’t let slide,” the source told The Star.

The insider added that friends of Kardashian are now advising her to “wash her hands of Meghan.”

“The word is that Kim’s done with Markle,” the source claimed.

Staff Departures Add to the Turmoil

The Kardashian-related controversy is also rumored to have played a role in the sudden resignation of the Sussexes’ chief communications officer, Meredith Maines.

Maines stepped down in December, despite having joined Harry and Meghan’s team only in March 2025. She is believed to be the 11th communications professional to leave their employment over the past five years.

Just days later, the couple also lost their top adviser, James Holt, who had been in the role since 2021.

“After five incredible years in Los Angeles, it’s time for my family to return to London,” Holt said in a statement.

“When I pass the baton to the team leading Archewell Philanthropies in the coming months, I’ll do so with immense pride and optimism for what lies ahead.”