In the realm of royal news, public interest in members of the British royal family continues to remain high. Among the most talked-about figures are Catherine, Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton) and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. Both women have carved unique public identities, and with the growing importance of social media, comparisons between their online presence have become more frequent.
Recent reports have suggested that Meghan Markle may be preparing for a return to Instagram, which could spark renewed interest in her personal brand and public image. While these reports remain unconfirmed by Meghan herself or any official representative, conversations surrounding her potential comeback to social media have reignited discussions about royal popularity and digital influence.
A Brief History of Meghan Markle and Social Media
Before marrying into the British royal family, Meghan Markle was an actress and lifestyle blogger. Her now-archived blog, The Tig, offered insights into wellness, travel, food, and fashion. It garnered a loyal following and showcased Meghan’s interests and personality beyond her acting career.
In line with royal protocol, Meghan closed down her personal social media accounts and The Tig in 2017 as her relationship with Prince Harry became more serious. After stepping back from official royal duties in 2020 and moving to the United States, Meghan and Harry gained greater freedom in managing their public image. They launched the Archewell Foundation and signed partnerships with streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, though their podcast agreement with Spotify has since ended, as confirmed by both parties in mid-2023.
Public Sentiment and Popularity Ratings
Public opinion regarding members of the royal family varies over time and across demographics. In the United Kingdom, YouGov regularly conducts polling on the popularity of royals. As of recent polling in early 2024, Catherine, Princess of Wales, continues to rank among the most popular royal figures, consistently receiving high favorability scores (YouGov UK).
Prince William also maintains strong public support, while Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s popularity has declined in the UK since their departure from royal duties. However, their reception in the United States is comparatively more favorable, especially among younger audiences and those sympathetic to their personal narratives.
The contrast in approval ratings between the two couples often sparks debates in both traditional media and online platforms, but these ratings fluctuate depending on current events, media coverage, and public appearances.
Speculation About Meghan’s Social Media Return
Multiple entertainment news outlets, including Variety and The Cut, have previously reported on Meghan Markle’s potential return to social media, particularly Instagram. While Meghan herself has not officially confirmed a return, a profile handle, @meghan, appeared on Instagram in 2022 and drew speculation about its authenticity. The account, which remains unverified and inactive, has not been linked to any official announcement.
Celebrity publicist Mayah Riaz, in a quoted interview with various media outlets, suggested that Meghan’s return to Instagram could spark significant public interest. She noted that unlike the royal family’s official accounts—which are curated by communication teams—Meghan has the freedom to share more personal and candid content.
This independence may allow Meghan to connect with audiences in a more direct and relatable way. However, statements suggesting Meghan will “surpass Kate in popularity” are speculative and not based on measurable data. Without direct polling or social media metrics comparing the two individuals’ online engagement, such claims remain subjective opinions rather than objective facts.
The Role of Authenticity and Media Attention
One of the key points often raised in discussions around Meghan’s potential online presence is the contrast in tone between her content and that of the royal family. While The Prince and Princess of Wales maintain a formal and curated image through their social media, Meghan is seen as someone who might adopt a more casual and expressive approach.
Media outlets have previously highlighted her appearances at public events, such as a Beyoncé concert in Los Angeles, which showcased a different kind of public engagement from traditional royal activities. Her willingness to be seen in more relaxed environments may appeal to younger audiences or those seeking a more contemporary representation of public figures.
Still, it’s important to note that comparisons between Meghan and Kate are often framed by media narratives that may exaggerate contrasts for the sake of engagement. Both women represent different roles, styles, and responsibilities, and public perception is influenced by complex factors including press coverage, public appearances, and global reach.
Online Safety and Social Media Challenges
While a return to Instagram might offer Meghan a platform to reconnect with followers, it also comes with challenges. Online harassment and abuse are serious issues, particularly for high-profile women in public life. Meghan has spoken openly about her experiences with mental health and the impact of online negativity in interviews such as the 2021 Oprah Winfrey special and her appearance on The Archetypes podcast.
According to a 2020 report by Bot Sentinel, a research organization analyzing disinformation and hate speech, Meghan Markle was the target of coordinated online abuse campaigns on Twitter (now X). The findings pointed to a small number of accounts responsible for a disproportionate amount of toxic content targeting her.
With these concerns in mind, any public return to social media would likely involve strategic planning to safeguard Meghan’s well-being and manage public engagement responsibly.
Final Thoughts: Popularity Beyond the Numbers
While discussions around popularity and social media presence remain ongoing, it’s clear that both Meghan Markle and Princess Kate have carved meaningful places in the public consciousness. Meghan’s potential return to Instagram could offer a more personal and modern glimpse into her life, while Kate continues to represent traditional royal values with dignity and poise.
As public figures, both women reflect different facets of what it means to be part of the modern royal narrative. Their stories continue to captivate audiences not just because of their titles, but because of the evolving roles they play in a changing cultural and media landscape.
Regardless of social media metrics or approval ratings, authenticity, resilience, and public service remain the defining elements of their ongoing impact.