Meghan Markle has made a return to Instagram, but leaving many royal watchers with questions.
After marrying Prince Harry in 2018 and becoming an official member of the British royal family, such freedoms including a personal Instagram account were limited. But four years are departing the royal family, the Duchess of Sussex has made a grand return.
Her new Instagram handle – quietly launched on March 15, AEST, is the name of her new lifestyle brand, American Rivera Orchard, “established” in 2024.
Adding further to the mystery was a cryptic video shared to its Stories. In the clip, Meghan can be seen arranging a bouquet of white roses and cooking in presumably her home kitchen in Montecito. Setting the scene was the song “I Wish You Love” by Nancy Wilson.
Royal watchers have eagerly been waiting for Meghan’s return to social media since way back in August 2022 where she teased the details in an interview.
“Do you want to know a secret?” she asked during her interview with The Cut at the time. “I’m getting back… on Instagram.”
Prior to her marriage to the Duke of Sussex, Meghan enjoyed sharing moments from her daily life, including yoga, food, hikes, friends and her dog.
She also had to stop posting on her person blog, The Tig, that was an archive of The Duchess’ resolutions, travel tips, restaurant reviews, hotels and where to shop.
While Meghan loved sharing a glimpse into her personal life, she loved Harry more.
“It was a big adjustment – a huge adjustment to go from that kind of autonomy to a different life,” she told the publication.
Meghan was given permission to join Harry, Kate Middleton and Prince William on a pre-existing Instagram account, @KensingtonRoyal in which she had no control over.
“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 said.
However, Meghan later confessed in the interview that she was no longer sure of her return to Instagram.
The couple created their own Instagram account, @sussexroyal in April 2019 and reached one million followers within six hours. However, they have not posted since March 2020 after announcing their departure as senior members of the royal family in January 2020 and therefore could no longer use the royal title.