In an increasingly digital world, public figures are constantly adapting to maintain their connection with fans and followers. Meghan Markle’s anticipated return to Instagram is a notable instance of this phenomenon. As reported by Page Six in August 2023, a new account with the handle @meghan was spotted, stirring excitement among her supporters and raising questions about her motivations and future engagement strategies. Her first post on January 1, 2025, showcased a serene video of her writing in the sand—symbolically welcoming the New Year—albeit without any accompanying words. This seemingly simple act was a powerful statement in the context of her tumultuous relationship with social media in the past.
Historically, Meghan’s interaction with social media has been turbulent. When she became engaged to Prince Harry in 2017, she willingly relinquished all of her personal social media accounts, including her popular lifestyle blog, The Tig. The couple later created a joint account, @SussexRoyal, which served as a platform to share their official engagements and charitable work. However, even this account came with limitations. Following their decision to step back from royal duties, which culminated in their final post on March 30, 2020, the couple found themselves in a challenging position regarding how they communicated with their audience.
Competition with traditional media and the so-called Royal Rota presented significant barriers. As Meghan explained in her August 2022 interview with The Cut, the couple had limited control over their content, which many in the media exploited. This included an uncomfortable dynamic where they had to share photos of their children with media outlets that had a history of negative coverage about them. Meghan’s candid remarks highlighted her discontent with having to share intimate family moments with those who have been less than supportive.
During this time, the Duchess emphasized the drastic shift she experienced after stepping back from royal life. Losing the autonomy that came from managing her own social media was a challenging adjustment; it marked a significant change in how she could control her public narrative. It appears that returning to platforms like Instagram may be part of Meghan’s strategy to regain that autonomy while conveying her authentic self. Her statements hint at a desire to engage directly with her audience in a way that feels genuine and unmediated.
As Meghan embarks on this new chapter, one can speculate on the implications for her public persona. With previously expressed frustration around media control, her Instagram return could signify not just a relaunch but also an opportunity to redefine her narrative on her own terms. Whether this move will be a transformative step in her efforts to foster a more positive public image or simply a continuation of her struggles remains to be seen. However, one thing is for certain: Meghan Markle’s journey through social media offers valuable insights into the complexities of public engagement in a modern context, and she certainly has a big year ahead.