A new Instagram video marks the Duchess of Sussex's return to social media after a lengthy hiatus from the platform.
According to Daily Mail, eagle-eyed fans spotted evidence of multiple takes in Meghan Markle's Instagram debut video, where a previously written "2025" was visible in the sand before she wrote it again for the final shot.
The former senior royal posted her first clip on Wednesday at around 8 am Montecito time under the username @meghan. The video shows her running barefoot on a California beach before writing "2025" in cursive on the sand. Prince Harry reportedly filmed the footage, which quickly garnered hundreds of thousands of followers within hours of posting.
The discovery of the earlier "2025" written in the sand, along with visible footprints, suggests that multiple attempts were made to capture the perfect shot for Meghan's social media comeback. The final version shows the Duchess drawing the numbers in near-perfect cursive before running off camera with a giggle.
The Instagram account, which was created in June 2022, remained empty until this first post. Meghan had previously hinted at her return to social media in 2023 during an interview with The Cut, where she stated she was "getting back on Instagram."
The account has now been verified with Meta's blue tick, confirming its authenticity. According to platform guidelines, verification indicates an account has been validated based on activity and provided documentation.
The return to Instagram represents a significant shift for Meghan, who previously stepped away from social media following her marriage to Prince Harry. The couple had cited dealing with "almost unsurvivable" online abuse as their reason for abandoning social media platforms.
Meghan originally closed her personal social media accounts in January 2018 after her engagement to Prince Harry. The couple later stopped posting to their Sussex Royal accounts in 2020 following their decision to step back from royal duties.
Industry experts predict substantial earning potential from Meghan's Instagram presence. Estimates suggest she could command up to $1 million per sponsored post, potentially positioning her among the world's highest-paid influencers.
The unique @meghan username has sparked interest, as single-name handles are rare on Instagram. The platform typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though celebrities can sometimes acquire specific usernames through special arrangements.
The timing of the launch, coinciding with the start of 2025, appears carefully planned. The beach video's aesthetic and production quality suggest professional involvement in crafting Meghan's social media comeback.
The Duchess of Sussex has launched her return to social media with a carefully produced beach video that revealed multiple takes through an unintended background detail. Posted under the handle @meghan, the Instagram debut marks a significant shift from her previous stance on social media platforms.
The strategic timing and professional execution of the content suggest this move is part of a broader plan for the Duchess's public presence, with industry experts predicting substantial financial opportunities through the platform.