Meghan Markle Makes Dramatic Return to Instagram After Six-Year Hiatus
In a surprising turn of events, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has officially returned to Instagram, marking her first foray back into social media after a six-year break. The 43-year-old royal shared her inaugural clip on the Instagram account simply titled @meghan, which had long been rumored to belong to her. This account was created in June 2022 but had remained inactive until now, fueling speculation about her future social media presence.
Meghan's return comes after a prolonged absence from social media, during which she and her husband, Prince Harry, had distanced themselves from online platforms due to the overwhelming amount of abuse they experienced. They had initially left social media in early 2018, shortly after their engagement, citing the toll that online negativity had taken on their mental health. At that time, a source from Kensington Palace stated, “Ms. Markle is grateful to everyone who has followed her social media accounts over the years; however, as she has not used them for some time, she has taken the decision to close them.”
A Teased Comeback
For over a year, Meghan had been teasing her return to Instagram, hinting at her eagerness to reconnect with her audience. In an interview with The Cut in 2023, she excitedly declared, “Do you want to know a secret? I’m getting back… on Instagram.” This statement created a buzz among fans and followers, with many eagerly awaiting her first post.
Finally, the moment arrived as Meghan shared a heartwarming video of herself walking towards the shoreline near her home in Montecito, California, where she lives with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. The clip features her drawing the digits “2025” in the sand, which has sparked speculation about potential upcoming projects or initiatives she may be planning.
The video was filmed by Prince Harry, capturing a candid moment that showcased Meghan’s joyful and playful side. In the footage, she is seen giggling and running off-camera, embodying a sense of lightheartedness that resonated with viewers. Within minutes of posting, the account's follower count skyrocketed from around 115,000 to nearly 170,000, highlighting the public's enthusiasm for her return.
What’s Next for Meghan?
In addition to her first post, Meghan updated the account’s profile picture to a striking black-and-white image of herself smiling in an elegant white dress. This new image complements the fresh start she seems to be embracing as she re-enters the public eye.
Experts have speculated that Meghan's return to Instagram could be financially lucrative. Some predict she could earn upwards of $1 million (£790,000) per post as an influencer, potentially placing her among the highest-paid personalities in the social media landscape. Given her global fame and the interest in her life, Meghan's account is poised to be a powerful platform for promoting causes, products, or personal projects.
The Journey Back to Social Media
The journey back to Instagram has not been without its challenges. Meghan and Harry had previously vowed to avoid social media, citing the "almost unsurvivable" levels of online abuse they faced. Their decision to step away from platforms like Instagram and Twitter was a significant shift from the previous engagement they maintained with the public through their official Sussex Royal accounts.
As part of their transition to a new life in the United States, Meghan and Harry have continued to use various forms of media to promote their progressive initiatives. They have engaged audiences through a successful podcast on Spotify, among other projects, but their absence from social media had left a gap in direct communication with fans.
In 2023, news broke that Meghan had indeed set up her Instagram account, but it remained dormant until her recent post. A source revealed that she had initially planned to go live on the platform around the launch of her podcast, "Archetypes," but ultimately decided against it at the last minute.
The Account’s Unique Username
Curiously, the @meghan handle, a rare single-name username, raises questions about how Meghan was able to secure it. Typically, Instagram accounts are assigned handles on a first-come, first-served basis, making it unusual for a celebrity to obtain such a straightforward name. It remains unclear whether the handle was previously owned or if Meghan's team negotiated its acquisition.
Social media experts suggest that celebrities often have more avenues available to them when it comes to securing usernames, especially given their fame and influence. Akshay Makadiya, founder of a digital marketing agency, commented on the potential methods Meghan could have used to obtain the handle, including negotiations with any previous user or leveraging Instagram's policies regarding inactive accounts.
Reactions and Future Prospects
The immediate reaction to Meghan’s return has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing excitement and support on various platforms. Many are eager to see what content she will share moving forward, and whether her return will include a focus on advocacy, personal projects, or lifestyle content.
Social media expert Eric Schiffer noted that Meghan's comeback is a logical next step, especially with the support of a new talent manager. He indicated that the move places her within a thriving influencer market, similar to other celebrities like the Kardashians who command significant fees for promotional posts.
As Meghan re-establishes her online presence, it will be interesting to observe how she balances her personal life, advocacy work, and the scrutiny that comes with being a public figure. The world is watching, and her Instagram journey is just beginning.
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