Meghan Markle’s Return to Instagram Is Going Exactly How She ‘Wanted’
Meghan Markle is back on Instagram! The Duchess of Sussex, 43, kicked off 2025 with her return to social media. While she’s posted only twice—more on that ahead—things are going as “planned” for Meghan.
Meghan returned to Instagram on New Year’s Day
The Duchess of Sussex kicked off the new year by returning to Instagram. On Jan. 1, 2025, Meghan shared a Reel of herself writing “2025” in the sand at the beach near her and Prince Harry’s home in Montecito, California, to her @meghan account.
The clip, reportedly filmed by the Duke of Sussex, 40, marked Meghan’s first big splash on social media after closing her personal Instagram account in January 2018 ahead of marrying into the British royal family. As for the @meghan handle, it was created in June 2022 and has long been thought to belong to Meghan.
The next day, on Jan. 2, 2025, Meghan shared another post—the trailer for her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan. In it, she can be seen in the kitchen and garden with celebrity friends such as Mindy Kaling and fellow Suits alum Abigail Spencer. The series premieres on Jan. 15, 2025.
Meghan ‘got everyone talking’ with her ‘simple and clever’ Instagram post
Discussing Meghan’s Instagram post, royal commentator Jennie Bond suggested to The Mirror that while the former actor’s return to social media was strategic, she may have lost some influence online since her days as a working royal. (Harry and Meghan relocated to California in 2020.)
“She hasn’t broken any records with gaining followers—and she’s not the megastar she was when she was part of the Royal Family—but I’m sure her following will build,” Bond said.
Nevertheless, her return to Instagram is going as expected. “Meghan is good at PR. Her enigmatic post did exactly what she wanted: got everyone talking about what she’s planning next. It was simple and clever.”
Bond also called Meghan’s return to Instagram a “shrewd and obvious move” because the 43-year-old likely had “no choice” but to have an online presence as her Netflix show and American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand get underway. (Meghan soft-launched the brand in March 2023.)
Comments are disabled on Meghan Markle’s Instagram
Unlike her previous Instagram account, Meghan’s new account does not allow comments. According to PR expert Ed Hopkins, the former Suits star likely made the decision for her mental health.
“From a PR perspective, this decision isn’t necessarily about avoiding engagement,” Hopkins told Express. “But rather about protecting her mental health and reducing the risk of harmful or negative interactions, which can be all too common on social media platforms.”
“It’s no secret that Meghan has faced a significant amount of online criticism in the past,” he added. “And by limiting public commentary, she’s likely seeking to create a more positive and supportive space for herself and her followers.”
The decision may not keep Meghan from engaging with followers. “Meghan’s posts can still foster engagement in other ways—such as through her choice of content, her message, and the conversations she sparks around her posts.” Followers also have “other forms of engagement”—likes, shares, DMs— as other ways “to show their support without the need for open public commentary.”
“Ultimately, the key here is balance,” Hopkins said. “Meghan is likely looking to protect her peace while also sharing meaningful moments and causes with her followers. As we’ve seen from other public figures, taking control of one’s digital environment can be a savvy and empowering move.”
