Meghan Markle has officially returned to Instagram after a five-year break, launching the new year with a fresh social media presence. On January 1, the Duchess of Sussex posted a video on the @meghan handle, which has long been rumored to belong to her and is now confirmed.
The Instagram clip shows Meghan dressed in an all-white ensemble as she runs along a beach near her Montecito, California home. In the video, she writes “2025” in the sand, briefly glances at the camera, and then runs off-screen. While Prince Harry is not seen in the footage, People magazine has reported that he was behind the camera, filming the video.
This marks Meghan’s return to social media after she deactivated her personal Instagram account and lifestyle blog, The Tig, in 2018 ahead of her marriage to Prince Harry. Before her royal life, Meghan’s social media presence included 3 million Instagram followers and a popular blog focused on travel, food, and wellness.
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It was a big adjustment — a huge adjustment to go from that kind of autonomy to a different life.
Reflecting on her decision to step away from social media, Meghan told The Cut in 2022
There’s literally a structure by which if you want to release photos of your child, as a member of the family, you first have to give them to the Royal Rota.
She also discussed the strict protocols surrounding royal family members sharing personal moments, noting
Since stepping back from royal duties, Meghan and Harry have embraced life in California, raising their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
However, Meghan’s Instagram comeback has not been without controversy. Despite turning off comments on her first post, the video has sparked criticism across other platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. Critics used harsh language, calling her names like “narcissist” and “home wrecker,” with some posts expressing vitriol that cannot be reproduced here.
Among the negative reactions, one user on X commented, “I don’t know of anyone who missed her!” while another wrote, “She can keep running.” Others mocked her return, despite her decision to disable comments on Instagram itself.
Despite the backlash, Meghan’s social media presence signals a new chapter for the Duchess, who is no stranger to both public adoration and criticism.
Source: Hindustan Times