The Kardashians get the ultimate seal of approval as they sit down with TV royalty

It has been an annus horribilus for the Kardashians.

Kim's short-lived marriage has called into question their thirst for publicity, and Khloe's husband Lamar has had a difficult time as his basketball career stalled.

But what better way to redress the balance than by an appearance alongside the queen of chat - Oprah Winfrey.

Kim, 31, was quick to post a picture of herself  alongside TV royalty in what is surely the ultimate seal of approval of their ubiquitous fame.

 Clearly excited she tweeted: 'Ummmm no big deal Oprah just left my mom's house! #DreamComeTrue.'

Pregnant sister Kourtney also tweeted: 'Surreal day being interviewed by the queen Oprah. Not many words to explain how incredible the experience was except for AHHH! Major moment.'

Oprah, 58, was apparently just as impressed with the reality TV family, whom she surprisingly said she knew very little about.

She later posted a picture of herself with the whole family as she sat down with them at 'momager' Kris Jenner's home.

Kim was joined by sisters Kourtney, Khloe, brother Rob, Kourtney's partner Scott Disick, Khloe's husband Lamar Odom, mum Kris, half-sisters Kylie, Kendall and step-father  Bruce Jenner to film the interview for Oprah's Next Chapter, airing Sunday on OWN.

It is the first appearance for the reality TV queen and her infamous family, and Oprah admitted that she had a lot of catching up to do, ahead of the interview.

 She revealed on her Facebook page: 'I had never met them, nor seen the show. I did a full on "Kardashian Kram" in preparation, watching major shows from every season.'

It seems that Oprah may be a bit late catching up with the family who have become something of an institution in the US. But she said:'I genuinely wanted to know why they have become a cultural phenomenon, why so many people love to watch their every move and why so many others love to hate them.

She added: 'Are they completely ego centered? Are they really 'famous for being famous' or is there something more?'

Oprah is clearly as keen as the next person to get to the bottom of Kim's failed marriage to NBA player Kris Humphries.

Kim's justification of her 72-day marriage Oprah intriguingly said 'leveled me.'

Typically she said the Kardashians held nothing back. But she felt that the interview gleaned 'another level of forthrightness and honesty.'

Oprah's Next Chapter airs Sunday at 8 p.m. (EST) on OWN.