The Duchess of Sussex has marked the start of 2025 with a high-profile return to social media, launching her new Instagram account @meghan on New Year’s Day.
The 43-year-old royal has already amassed 1.5 million followers on the platform in just over a week.
The account, which marks Meghan’s first personal social media presence since stepping back from royal duties, has quickly garnered attention from prominent figures.
Notable followers include tennis champion Serena Williams, model Chrissy Teigen, and actress Mindy Kaling, suggesting significant potential for the platform’s reach.
Meghan Markle set to ‘monetise her digital presence’ at crucial moment for Duke and Duchess
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The timing of this digital venture comes as the Sussexes approach a pivotal moment in their post-royal career.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has highlighted the strategic importance of Meghan’s social media comeback.
“She’s got over a million followers,” Fitzwilliams exclusively told GB News. “So if she managed to monetise that, then that is a source of income that’s important for them.”
He emphasised the timing of this move, adding: “You can see the importance of that, especially given the pivotal nature of this year in Netflix.”
The comments come as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix contract, signed in 2020, approaches its final months.
The streaming deal has been a significant source of income for the couple since their departure from royal duties.
The Sussexes’ Netflix portfolio has seen mixed success since their partnership began.
Their 2022 documentary “Harry & Meghan” achieved significant viewership, offering unprecedented insights into their royal exit and relationships with King Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate.
However, more recent projects have struggled to maintain momentum.
“Heart of Invictus”, focusing on Prince Harry’s sporting initiative, failed to generate expected interest despite the substantial investment.
A polo docuseries similarly disappointed viewers, with the couple making only brief appearances towards its conclusion.
The pressure now rests on Meghan’s upcoming show “With Love, Meghan”, set to premiere on January 15, which will showcase her passion for cooking, gardening and entertaining.
With “With Love, Meghan” launching in just days, the duchess appears to be diversifying her digital presence at a crucial moment.
Her new Instagram platform, with its impressive A-list following, positions her well for potential brand collaborations and endorsement deals.
The timing suggests a strategic approach to maintaining public visibility and income streams as the Netflix contract enters its final phase.
The combination of her upcoming lifestyle show and growing social media presence indicates the duchess is crafting a multi-platform strategy.
This digital expansion could provide a valuable safety net as the Sussexes navigate their post-Netflix future.
The high-profile nature of her Instagram followers suggests she has maintained strong Hollywood connections, potentially beneficial for future ventures.
