In August 2023, news broke that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, may be re-entering the realm of social media with a new Instagram account under the handle @meghan. This news sparked interest not only because of Markle’s celebrity status but also due to her tumultuous history with social media and public exposure. By January 1, 2025, Meghan officially made her comeback with a simple yet symbolic video showcasing her writing the new year in the sand. The choice to post without a caption speaks volumes about her desire to express herself outside the pressures of public expectation and scrutiny.
For context, Meghan Markle ceased to have personal social media accounts in January 2018, shortly before her engagement to Prince Harry. This sacrifice was part of a larger shift in her life, as she transitioned from a television actress to a royal figure. During her time in the royal family, Meghan and Harry briefly shared a joint account known as @SussexRoyal. Their final post from this account, before stepping back from royal duties, was made on March 30, 2020. This period highlights the challenges they faced as public figures bound by royal protocols while navigating personal autonomy.
Meghan’s reflections on her past social media experiences, particularly in her interview with The Cut, reveal her frustrations regarding the controlled nature of royal family communications. She recounted the “Royal Rota” system that limited her from sharing personal photographs of her children directly. The Duchess vividly expressed her incredulity at the idea of providing photos to media outlets that had been publicly hostile towards her family. This sentiment underscores a deeper conflict many public figures face: balancing the desire for connection with the risks of exposure in a toxic media landscape.
Giving up her social media accounts was not merely a superficial decision for Meghan. She described the transition as a “huge adjustment,” indicating that it starkly contrasted with the independence she once enjoyed. The reclamation of her digital identity through her new Instagram account could signify a broader theme of empowerment and personal agency. Meghan’s journey illustrates how social media can function as both a lifeline and a potential threat to privacy, especially for those in the public eye.
As Meghan prepares for what appears to be an eventful year, her return to social media might represent more than just a personal choice. It signals a renewed commitment to sharing her narrative on her own terms. With public curiosity and scrutiny likely to accompany her every post, this step could also serve as a platform for her advocacy interests and personal expressions. As we watch this story unfold, it becomes clear that Meghan is not merely stepping back into the social media realm; she is redefining her relationship with it as she embarks on a new chapter of autonomy and influence.