Meghan Markle Reemerges on Instagram with Exciting Business Endeavor

Meghan Markle Is Back on Instagram 5 Years After Shutting Down Account After Prince Harry Engagement

Meghan Markle DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Meghan Markle has made a comeback on Instagram after a five-year break, this time with a new business venture.

The Duchess of Sussex, aged 42, officially launched the American Riviera Orchard brand on Thursday, March 14. Although details are scarce, the account's Instagram bio states: "By Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex Established 2024." Some sources suggest that the account name is a reference to Meghan and Prince Harry's California residence in Santa Barbara, sparking rumors that this project might be a continuation of her previous blog, The Tig.

An Instagram Story video was recently shared featuring Meghan Markle set to the song "I Wish You Love" by Nancy Wilson. (Markle used to have an Instagram account under the handle @meghanmarkle, but it was deactivated in 2018.)

The news of Markle’s return to Instagram comes shortly after her sister-in-law, Princess Kate Middleton, faced a photo editing controversy on the same social media platform. Kate, who is 42 years old, posted a picture with her children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, to celebrate U.K. Mother’s Day on March 10. However, the photo was later taken down by some major news outlets following reports that it had been digitally altered. Kate, who is recovering from surgery and has been under scrutiny for her whereabouts, has admitted to "occasionally experimenting with editing" in response to the controversy.

Before making her comeback on Instagram last Thursday, Markle had already hinted back in August 2022 that she was interested in returning to social media.

"I have a little secret to share," she mentioned to The Cut during that time. "I'm planning to make a comeback on Instagram."

Markle decided to delete her Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts in January 2018, shortly after her first royal engagement with Harry. This came after Harry had proposed to Markle just two months prior.

Kensington Palace informed Us that "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."

The couple, who got married in May 2018, shared in their docuseries Harry & Meghan in January 2023 that they first met on Instagram.

Harry revealed in an episode that he came across a video on his feed posted by a mutual friend. What caught his attention was a clip of Markle using the "doggy ears" filter.

Markle, on her part, mentioned that instead of searching for information about Harry online, she preferred to check out his Instagram profile. She explained, “When people ask, ‘Did you Google him?’ I didn't. But that's your assignment. You think, ‘Let me see what they're sharing on their feed. Not what others say about them, but what they choose to show about themselves.’ That, to me, was the most reliable indicator,” she shared during that time.

After tying the knot, the couple created their own royal Instagram account, @SussexRoyal. However, the account has been inactive since March 2020, just two months after they announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family.

In September 2020, Markle shared that she decided to avoid social media for the sake of her mental well-being.

During the Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit, Markle mentioned, "I’ve chosen not to have any accounts, so I'm not aware of what's happening online. This has been beneficial for me in many ways." She also expressed her concerns about individuals who have become overly fixated on social media, likening it to an addiction due to its pervasive presence in daily life.

Editor's P/S:

Meghan Markle's return to Instagram marks a significant shift for the Duchess of Sussex, who has been absent from social media for five years. With her new business venture, American Riviera Orchard, Meghan is stepping back into the public eye and showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. The news of her return comes amidst the recent photo editing controversy involving her sister-in-law, Princess Kate Middleton, highlighting the complexities of social media in the royal family.

Markle's decision to close her social media accounts in 2018 was driven by her concerns about mental well-being and the potential for negative online interactions. However, her recent hint of a comeback and the launch of her new brand suggest a change of heart. It remains to be seen how Meghan will navigate the challenges of social media while balancing her personal and professional life. Her return to Instagram is sure to generate both intrigue and speculation, as royal watchers eagerly await her next move. her return now, with a specific business purpose, reflects a shift in her approach and a willingness to harness the power of social media while maintaining a sense of privacy.