After a seven-year hiatus, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has made her grand return to Instagram just in time for the new year. In a video shared on January 1, 2025, Meghan reintroduces herself to her followers with a fresh personal account. This marks her first solo venture on the platform since she deactivated her social media profiles back in 2018.

A New Beginning for Meghan Markle on Instagram

Meghan’s return to social media has sparked significant attention, especially since it comes after several years of media scrutiny. In her January 1 video, the Duchess, dressed in a simple white shirt and capri pants, jogs along the beach and writes "2025" in the sand as waves crash in the background. The gesture is symbolic—marking not only the start of a new year but also a new chapter in her public life.

Instagram | meghan.markle.official | After years of scrutiny, Meghan's return to social media is making waves.

Her decision to shut down her previous Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts came shortly after her engagement to Prince Harry, when she chose to step back from the online world for personal reasons. At the time, a Kensington Palace representative explained that Meghan had not been using her social media accounts for some time, which led to the decision to deactivate them.

A Shift in Social Media Strategy

Although Meghan’s new account signals her re-entry into the world of Instagram, it’s not her first social media presence since leaving in 2018. Meghan and Harry launched the @sussexroyal page, a joint account for both of them, before officially stepping down from their royal duties in 2020. Additionally, Meghan introduced a separate platform and website for her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, in March 2024. While still in its early stages, the brand promises a range of products, including jams and cookbooks.

Despite these ventures, her personal return to Instagram seems to have been carefully timed and curated. The video posted on her new account has been met with excitement from her fans, many of whom are eager to see how Meghan will use her platform moving forward.

The Decision to Step Away from Social Media

Looking back at her decision to leave social media, Meghan Markle has opened up about her experiences with online hate and criticism. She revealed that much of the abuse she faced occurred while pregnant with her children, Archie and Lilibet. This period of negativity on social media was particularly difficult for Meghan, who had to prioritize her well-being and mental health during her pregnancy.

Instagram | meghan.markle.official | Meghan Markle reflects on online abuse after quitting social media.

Reflecting on this time, Meghan shared how the constant online harassment impacted her: "The majority of the cruelty I experienced was during my pregnancies when I had a newborn to care for. It was hard to understand why people would be so hateful, especially at such a vulnerable time."

Her approach to protecting herself from such toxicity was instinctual—fueled by a desire to shield herself and her family. As Meghan explained, "When you're expecting, that protective instinct really kicks in. You do everything you can to look out for your child—and in doing so, you protect yourself too."

A Thoughtful Re-Entry

Now, in 2025, Meghan seems ready to embrace a new social media presence, albeit on her own terms. This comeback is not about simply rejoining a digital platform—it’s a strategic, thoughtful return with a focus on the future. It is clear that Meghan’s return is not only about personal interaction but also about reshaping her public image as an influential figure in the modern world.

Whether she uses this platform to speak on social issues, promote her lifestyle brand, or simply share her personal life, one thing is certain—Meghan Markle is reentering the social media scene in her own unique way.

As for how Meghan Markle will navigate her social media journey moving forward, only time will tell. Her return, however, is sure to generate buzz and spark interest from both her supporters and critics alike.