Meghan Markle sparks debate by rejoining Instagram on New Year's Day
- Meghan Markle launched a new Instagram account on January 1, 2025, after a five-year hiatus.
- Her first post featured a video filmed by Prince Harry, showing her drawing '2025' in the sand.
- This return to Instagram symbolizes a new chapter for Markle and could influence conversations about social media use.
On January 1, 2025, Meghan Markle, known as the Duchess of Sussex, marked the beginning of the new year by launching her latest Instagram account, the first since stepping back from royal duties nearly five years ago. The account was confirmed by the Associated Press and already gained over 200,000 followers. Her debut post featured a black and white video of her at the beach, which was filmed by her husband, Prince Harry, showing her playfully running toward the ocean and drawing the year '2025' in the sand. This post has drawn attention and likes from various celebrity friends, highlighting her return to personal social media presence. In 2020, Meghan and Harry discontinued their official Instagram account, @SussexRoyal, following their decision to step back from their royal roles and establish financial independence. Since then, Meghan has expressed mixed feelings about social media, once stating it could be damaging, particularly for young users. Her previous accounts, which included a personal account shut down around the time of her engagement to Harry in 2017, had garnered significant followings and showcased her daily life. In a recent interview, she hinted at a return to social media, indicating that she was ready to reconnect with fans despite initial hesitations stemming from past harassment experiences online. Meghan revealed in a blog post back in 2016 how she struggled to maintain New Year’s resolutions, sharing her goal to lead a more playful and open life. This year, her reemergence on Instagram could symbolize a new chapter for her, where she can engage with supporters directly while emphasizing a positive approach to social media. It remains to be seen how she will navigate this platform moving forward, particularly given her previous concerns about online harassment and the need for improved content moderation. As the couple continues to advocate for mental health and safety on social media, Meghan's return could inject a fresh perspective into the ongoing conversation about the impact of social media on individuals, particularly those in the public eye. Her efforts to build a supportive online community may resonate with many, particularly as more individuals seek authentic connections in the digital age.