Meghan Markle’s New Beginning on Instagram: A Fresh Start and a Platform for Connection
In the nascent days of 2025, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, embarked on a new chapter in her public life by launching a personal Instagram account under the handle @meghan. This move signifies a significant shift in her approach to social media, marking a return after a nearly five-year hiatus since her last post on the joint @sussexroyal account she shared with Prince Harry. The debut post, a visually evocative video filmed by Prince Harry, depicts Meghan running along a beach near their Montecito home, culminating in her inscribing "2025" in the sand. This symbolic act suggests a forward-looking perspective, hinting at a renewed focus and a desire to connect directly with her audience.
The decision to create a personal account marks a departure from the shared platform she previously maintained with her husband. The @sussexroyal account, which ceased activity in March 2020, offered a glimpse into their lives as working royals and served as a vehicle for their philanthropic endeavors. Their final post on that account acknowledged the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed their commitment to contributing meaningfully during a time of uncertainty. It emphasized their desire to understand how they could best contribute and signaled a shift in their public presence. With the launch of @meghan, the Duchess establishes a distinct online identity, separate from her shared history and allowing her to curate her own narrative.
This return to Instagram follows Meghan’s previous departure from social media in January 2018, shortly after her engagement to Prince Harry. The decision to deactivate her personal accounts at that time coincided with her entry into the royal family and the heightened scrutiny that accompanied her new role. The subsequent reactivation of her online presence, first with a business-oriented account for her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and now with this personal account, suggests a recalibrated approach to navigating the digital landscape. It marks a return on her own terms, allowing her to control the messaging and engage directly with her followers.
Meghan’s re-entry into the world of social media takes place against the backdrop of her and Harry’s transition to life in the United States. Their relocation, following their decision to step back from their roles as senior working royals, has allowed them to forge a new path, independent of the constraints and expectations of the monarchy. In their new lives, they are raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, away from the constant spotlight of the British media. This move has afforded them a degree of privacy and autonomy, enabling them to define their own roles and pursue their personal and professional goals. Meghan’s Instagram account offers a window into this new chapter, offering a glimpse into her life as a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate.
The Duchess’s decision to embrace social media comes despite previously expressed concerns about raising children in a digitally saturated world. In a 2023 panel discussion on mental health, Meghan voiced her anxieties about the potential negative impacts of online platforms, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for young people. Her return to Instagram suggests a nuanced understanding of the platform’s potential, recognizing its power to connect, inspire, and advocate for positive change. It signals a conscious effort to utilize the platform responsibly, fostering a community of support and promoting meaningful dialogue.
The launch of @meghan represents a significant moment in the Duchess’s public journey. It marks a renewed engagement with the digital world, offering a platform for her to connect directly with her supporters, share updates on her projects, and advocate for causes close to her heart. It also signifies a reclaiming of her narrative, allowing her to shape her own image and communicate directly with the public. This move signals a new phase in Meghan’s post-royal life, one characterized by increased visibility, direct engagement, and a proactive approach to utilizing her platform for positive impact. This personal account grants her the autonomy to express her views, share her experiences, and connect with a global audience, independent of the traditional channels and constraints associated with her former royal role. It is a declaration of independence, a statement of intent, and a promise of more to come.
