Meghan Markle has kicked off the new year by rejoining Instagram, marking her first account on the platform since stepping away in 2020. The Associated Press confirmed on Wednesday that the newly created account, @meghan, is indeed operated by the Duchess of Sussex.
Her inaugural post is a striking black-and-white video of herself at the beach. In the clip, Meghan, dressed in a white outfit, can be seen drawing “2025” in the sand under an overcast sky. Despite its simplicity, the post has already garnered significant attention, and the account has quickly amassed over 200,000 followers.
This marks a significant moment for Meghan, who has had a complex relationship with social media over the years. When Meghan married Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, in 2018, the couple was initially featured on the official @KensingtonRoyal account, which also represented Harry’s brother, Prince William, and his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales. However, as Meghan and Harry began to distance themselves from the core royal family, they launched their own social media account, @SussexRoyal, in 2019.
@SussexRoyal became a platform for the couple to share updates on their royal engagements and personal initiatives. However, it was discontinued in 2020 when Meghan and Harry announced their decision to step back from their official roles as senior royals and pursue a more independent life.
For Meghan, returning to Instagram carries a sense of nostalgia, as she was an active and beloved presence on the platform before becoming a royal. During her time on the hit TV show Suits, she maintained a popular personal account where she shared insights into her life and interests. In a 2022 interview with The Cut for New York Magazine, Meghan teased her plans to return to Instagram, hinting: “Do you want to know a secret? I’m getting back … on Instagram.”
Still, her return hasn’t been without hesitation. At various points, Meghan expressed reluctance to re-enter the social media world, citing concerns about online harassment and the toll it can take on mental health. These concerns are not unfounded, as both Meghan and Harry have faced intense scrutiny and criticism online since stepping into the global spotlight.
In 2023, the couple became vocal advocates for responsible social media use. They called on platforms to implement stricter content moderation policies, highlighting the potential harm social media can pose to young people’s mental well-being. Their advocacy reflects a broader effort to balance the benefits of online connection with the need for safety and accountability in digital spaces.
Meghan’s return to Instagram signals a new chapter for the Duchess, one where she seems ready to reclaim her voice and engage with her audience on her own terms. Whether she plans to use the platform to share glimpses of her personal life, champion causes she cares about, or simply connect with fans, her reappearance has already sparked widespread curiosity and excitement. As the new year unfolds, the world will be watching to see how Meghan navigates this renewed digital presence.
