RF. Meghan Markle’s Digital Comeback and the Royal Silence Explained

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has officially returned to Instagram after a years-long hiatus. Her new verified profile quickly attracted attention from both fans and media outlets. While the relaunch of her personal social media presence generated enthusiasm from many followers, royal watchers also noted that the official Instagram accounts of King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine (Kate Middleton) have yet to engage with the new profile—prompting questions about the current dynamics between Meghan and the royal household.

Meghan Markle’s Return to Instagram

After stepping back from official royal duties in 2020 alongside her husband Prince Harry, Meghan Markle has largely remained absent from social media. She previously deleted her personal Instagram account before her royal wedding in May 2018, adhering to the royal family’s social media policies at the time, which restrict personal social media use by senior working members of the royal family.

However, in early January 2025, Meghan launched a new verified Instagram account under the handle @meghan. Her first post featured a serene black-and-white video of her walking barefoot along a public beach in Montecito, California. According to People Magazine, the video was filmed by Prince Harry and depicted Meghan writing “2025” in the sand (People).

Within just a few days of the account’s launch, Meghan had gained over 1.5 million followers, highlighting the public’s continued interest in her life and work post-royalty. Her post was received positively by fans, many of whom expressed excitement about her return to a more personal and public online presence.

Official Royal Accounts Remain Unchanged

Despite the media attention surrounding Meghan’s return to Instagram, official royal family accounts—namely @theroyalfamily and @princeandprincessofwales—have not interacted publicly with Meghan’s new profile. As of this writing, neither account follows @meghan. However, both accounts still follow @sussexroyal, the now-dormant Instagram account previously used by Meghan and Harry during their time as working royals.

The @sussexroyal page has not been active since 2020, when the couple announced they would step back from senior royal duties. Their transition was formalized through discussions with Queen Elizabeth II, and they later launched non-profit projects such as the Archewell Foundation to continue their charitable efforts independently (BBC News).

While some media outlets and social media users have interpreted the royal family’s lack of interaction with Meghan’s new account as a snub, no official statements have been issued by Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace. Without verified comments from royal representatives, such interpretations remain speculative and are not supported by official sources.

Understanding the Royal Family’s Social Media Policy

The royal family follows a more formal approach to digital communications. Official social media accounts managed by Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Kensington Palace are used to promote royal engagements, national events, charitable causes, and official statements. These accounts typically avoid engaging in personal or informal interactions, especially with non-working members of the royal family.

This protocol may help explain why royal family accounts have not publicly followed or acknowledged Meghan’s new Instagram page. According to Royal.uk, the monarchy maintains a clear distinction between the work of senior royals and members who have stepped back from official duties (Royal.uk).

Meghan’s Digital Re-Emergence and Personal Branding

Since stepping down from royal duties, Meghan has focused on various personal and philanthropic initiatives. Together with Prince Harry, she co-founded the Archewell Foundation, a nonprofit organization centered on humanitarian work and community building. Additionally, Meghan has pursued media projects, including podcasting and production deals with companies like Spotify and Netflix. While some of these partnerships have since concluded, others continue to evolve under their personal media brand, Archewell Productions (Archewell).

Meghan’s new Instagram presence could signify a renewed focus on digital storytelling and personal branding. While she has not shared additional content beyond the launch video, many expect her platform to highlight causes she supports—such as gender equality, maternal health, and mental wellness—based on her previous advocacy work with the United Nations and World Vision Canada (UN Women, World Vision).

A Look at Past Public Appearances and Relationships

The relationship between Meghan and other members of the royal family has remained under media scrutiny since the couple’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. In that interview, Prince Harry and Meghan shared their experiences within the royal institution, touching on topics including mental health, media coverage, and family dynamics (CBS News).

Despite differing perspectives and the geographical distance between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family, both sides have occasionally come together for major events. Meghan and Harry attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022 and King Charles III’s coronation in 2023, although Meghan did not remain in the UK long following these events (BBC).

Official statements and media coverage of these appearances have remained relatively neutral, with the palace generally refraining from personal commentary.

Public and Media Reaction

The media response to Meghan’s return to Instagram has been mixed, reflecting the polarizing opinions she often garners. While many praised her for returning to a platform that allows direct communication with the public, others speculated about the timing and purpose of her return.

Public figures often use personal social media to promote causes or upcoming projects. In Meghan’s case, observers anticipate future content may include promotional material related to Archewell initiatives, upcoming public speaking events, or partnerships with nonprofits.

Conclusion: Meghan’s Return Marks a New Digital Chapter

Meghan Markle’s return to Instagram after nearly seven years is a significant step in her personal and professional journey. Her new profile represents not only a return to social media but also a fresh opportunity to connect with supporters directly and advocate for causes she cares about.

While the royal family’s official accounts have not publicly interacted with her new page, this is consistent with their longstanding approach to digital communications. Without official comment, claims of deliberate distancing remain unconfirmed.

Ultimately, Meghan’s digital reemergence adds another chapter to her evolving public image—one shaped by her advocacy, charitable work, and commitment to sharing stories that matter.

Sources:

• People Magazine – Meghan Markle Returns to Instagram

• BBC News – Meghan and Harry Step Back from Royal Duties

• BBC News – Coverage of King Charles’ Coronation

• Royal.uk – The Royal Family Website

• Archewell Foundation

• CBS News – Meghan and Harry Interview with Oprah

• UN Women

• World Vision Canada