Experts say Meghan needs 'lucrative' Instagram relaunch tapping into Hollywood followers - after 'history of bad judgments'

Meghan Markle's Instagram comeback is indeed a bold move that signals a recalibration of the Sussexes' public strategy. The rapid follower growth and the choice of a sleek handle, @meghan, underscore her intent to position herself as a major influencer and public figure beyond royal confines.

In March 2021, the Sussexes appeared on Oprah following 'Megxit' and alleged that some members of the royal family questioned 'how dark' their child's skin might be when he's born 

While the decision to reengage with social media is a pivot from their previous stance, it aligns with Meghan's entrepreneurial aspirations, including her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. By leveraging Instagram's vast audience, Meghan could amplify her personal ventures, including her upcoming Netflix cooking and home show, anticipated podcast relaunch, and product lines.

Many of her celebrity pals, including Kris Jenner, have sampled the jam

The criticism surrounding recent setbacks, including the underperformance of projects like Heart of Invictus and Polo, highlights the high stakes in their Netflix and Spotify deals. These challenges underscore the difficulties faced by the couple in maintaining sustained public interest and translating their philanthropic and personal narratives into compelling content.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in 2018, before they abandoned Britain and the Royal Family to move to California

Meghan's Instagram could serve as a platform to directly connect with her audience, bypassing traditional media and critics. If managed effectively, it could bolster her brand, repair public perception, and pave the way for lucrative partnerships, further solidifying her role as a modern media mogul. However, public sentiment will largely hinge on how she balances authenticity with commercial intent.

The question now is whether Meghan's return to Instagram will reignite her star power or further polarize opinions. Either way, it’s a high-stakes move that could redefine the Sussexes' trajectory in 2025.

Meghan Markle's return to Instagram and renewed branding efforts underscore a strategic push to stabilize and reinvent the Sussexes' public image amid increasing scrutiny and looming uncertainties. As their Netflix contract edges closer to its 2025 expiration, Meghan’s move to reclaim her digital presence through @meghan is being widely viewed as a calculated effort to redefine their narrative and expand their influence.

'Polo' is the third documentary from Prince Harry and Meghan to disappoint both viewers and critics

The challenges with American Riviera Orchard—from trademark disputes to slow progress—have underscored the complexities of transitioning from royal life to Hollywood entrepreneurship. While initially envisioned as a flagship post-royal venture, the brand’s delayed launch and limited product rollout have raised questions about its viability. Nevertheless, Meghan's ability to draw attention and build anticipation remains a key asset, and Instagram could be pivotal in marketing her lifestyle brand and other projects directly to a global audience.

Richard Fitzwilliams aptly highlights that Meghan’s reentry into social media is about projecting independence and rejuvenating interest in their personal brand. By tapping into nostalgia for The Tig—her pre-royal lifestyle blog—and aligning her digital persona with her upcoming Netflix cooking series and branding ventures, Meghan is signaling a return to her roots as a lifestyle influencer and advocate.

This period is undeniably critical for the Sussexes. Their ability to secure renewed media deals or pivot to new ventures hinges on their relevance and public appeal in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. Meghan’s Instagram could act as a launchpad for re-establishing their foothold in Hollywood, provided they can deliver impactful, consistent, and authentic content that resonates with audiences.

Prince Harry is pictured playing polo at the event in Florida in April 2024

While interest in the Sussex brand remains high, this "make-or-break" moment demands careful navigation. Success could solidify their standing as cultural figures, while further missteps might erode their influence. All eyes will be on how they leverage this opportunity to shape their narrative and secure a future beyond their existing contracts.

Meghan Markle’s Instagram return is undoubtedly a calculated and symbolic move, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Sussexes. As royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams and brand expert Nick Ede suggest, this digital relaunch is not merely about reengaging with fans—it’s a high-stakes endeavor aimed at reinvigorating their image, reigniting public interest, and demonstrating their value as cultural figures in Hollywood.

Meghan has asked US authorities for more time to get her lifestyle brand off the ground

The stakes could not be higher. Should Netflix opt not to extend their lucrative deal, the Sussexes may face a significant setback, potentially limiting their ability to fund and execute future projects. Meghan’s new Instagram persona, however, offers an opportunity to reclaim control of her narrative and showcase a relatable, charismatic side of herself that resonates with her audience.

The debut video, reportedly filmed by Prince Harry, captures this strategy perfectly. The playful yet polished imagery of Meghan writing "2025" in the sand evokes themes of renewal, hope, and empowerment. It suggests she is ready to embrace the future on her terms, signaling a reinvention that positions her as approachable, yet aspirational—a key balance for success in the influencer-driven digital space.

Nick Ede’s assessment that Meghan will aim to “own her narrative” and “author her truth” through social media highlights the broader implications of her Instagram return. It’s not just about followers or likes; it’s about building a platform where she can merge her personal brand with her professional ventures, from American Riviera Orchard to her anticipated Netflix cooking show.

The Duke of Sussex laughed off the rumours about his and Meghan's separation while onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024, New York, on December 4

This effort comes at a time when the Sussexes are under pressure to prove their staying power in Hollywood. Meghan’s ability to craft a compelling digital identity could make or break their broader branding and business endeavors. For 2025 to truly be her year of reinvention, Meghan will need to use this platform to engage authentically, deliver on her promises, and win back trust from skeptics. Whether she can maintain this momentum and translate it into tangible success will define the next chapter of her post-royal journey.

Fitzwilliams’ skepticism underscores the harsh reality facing the Sussexes as their Netflix contract nears its expiration. If the deal isn’t renewed, it could indeed spell a significant setback for their post-royal career, leaving them with fewer options in a competitive media landscape. The symbolism of Meghan carving “2025” in the sand is a visual reminder of the pressure mounting as they strive to prove their relevance and secure new opportunities.

However, as Nick Ede points out, Meghan’s Instagram return signals a strategic pivot toward a more traditional Hollywood celebrity persona. In this new role, she is positioning herself alongside other social media influencers who build personal brands by creating content and cultivating partnerships with global brands. By engaging with her audience on Instagram, Meghan taps into the digital ecosystem that has propelled other celebrities to commercial success, offering her a powerful platform for both self-expression and financial gain.

The presence of Hollywood A-listers such as Serena Williams, Chrissy Teigen, and Mindy Kaling following Meghan’s account further indicates the potential for high-profile collaborations, adding credibility to the idea that Meghan could transition from a former royal to a thriving media personality in her own right. These celebrity connections suggest that Meghan is more than just a former duchess—she is evolving into a multifaceted figure who can leverage her platform for a wide range of ventures, from endorsements to joint projects.

The stakes, as you mentioned, are indeed high for Meghan. Her Instagram could be a gateway to significant commercial success if she can consistently engage with her followers, collaborate with the right brands, and further cement her standing in Hollywood. The rewards, in turn, could be immense—offering her not just financial gains but also a sense of personal reinvention, solidifying her as a media force well beyond her royal roots.

Meghan Markle’s return to social media is certainly a pivotal moment in her post-royal life, reflecting her desire to reclaim the public space she once occupied with The Tig and her lifestyle-focused digital presence. As Ede highlights, this return offers an opportunity for Meghan to rebuild her authenticity and trust with her audience. By presenting herself in a more unfiltered, relatable light, she can break away from the scripted narratives that often accompanied her royal role, offering a fresh perspective to fans and critics alike. This personal, direct connection with her followers may help to re-establish credibility after the controversies surrounding her royal exit.

However, as Fitzwilliams points out, the Sussexes’ history of contentious decisions—particularly their outspoken criticism of the Royal Family—remains a shadow that looms over their brand. Their departure from royal duties, coupled with the highly publicized interviews and revelations that followed, left many with mixed feelings about their motivations. Meghan's social media comeback may face resistance from those who view her as opportunistic or disconnected from the public’s traditional expectations of royal behavior. These past actions could make it difficult for some to fully embrace her new persona, no matter how much authenticity she projects.

The challenge for Meghan will be balancing her desire for authenticity with the need to navigate her complicated relationship with public perception. If she succeeds in re-establishing herself as both genuine and relatable, she could regain some of the trust and admiration she had before stepping into royal life. However, she will need to continue working on distancing herself from the negative associations linked to their royal exit and past media narratives.

The return to Instagram offers Meghan a platform to evolve and carve out a new identity—one that is more aligned with her personal values and ambitions—but the success of this reinvention will depend on her ability to manage both public expectations and her own aspirations. It’s clear that, while her followers may celebrate her more personal approach, the challenge of navigating the divided opinions surrounding the Sussexes' past will likely remain a key obstacle in her journey toward fully reclaiming her public image.