January 2, 2024: Meghan Markle’s return to Instagram has certainly caught the attention of her fans and the public, especially after such a long hiatus. The launch of her new account, @meghan, with a simple yet personal post marks a significant shift from her previous social media presence, which she left behind in early 2018.
Her first post, a serene black-and-white video of her writing “2025” in the sand, reflects a hopeful, fresh start for the new year. This visual message paired with her smile is an evocative and subtle way to reintroduce herself to the public, signaling not just her return but perhaps a new chapter in her life.
The journey leading up to this moment is interesting as well. Meghan had expressed the possibility of returning to Instagram in a 2022 interview with The Cut, though she had later seemed uncertain. This, combined with the fact that she had amassed millions of followers prior to her royal life—mainly from her lifestyle blog The Tig—shows that she’s well aware of the platform’s power and influence.
Meghan’s decision to create a new account instead of reviving the former @SussexRoyal or The Tig accounts could suggest she’s seeking a fresh start that is distinct from her past royal association. While the @SussexRoyal account remains online, it’s largely inactive with comments disabled, marking a clear break from her royal duties.
Her return to Instagram also comes at a time when she and Prince Harry have expanded their influence through various initiatives like Archewell, and now Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions. This, combined with her ongoing philanthropic and public endeavors, suggests that her Instagram presence could be used to engage with followers around causes close to her heart, offering a more direct connection with her audience.
With the platform offering a way for Meghan to share her personal moments and thoughts, it’s likely that her return will spark even more public curiosity. Whether she will continue sharing glimpses of her private life, use the platform for advocacy, or focus more on her creative ventures, it will be interesting to see how she evolves her online presence moving forward.
