Upon marrying Prince Harry, Meghan was poised to gain substantial wealth, fame, and influence. She seemingly wouldn't need to navigate the intricacies of climbing the social media ladder ever again. Fast forward five years, and we are bombarded with daily reports hinting at Meghan Markle's imminent return to Instagram. The news is touted as exciting, but the anticipation is yet to spark real excitement.
There are indeed some clues to consider. Last year, Meghan reportedly hinted at a comeback to Instagram when she told journalist Allison P. Davis, "Do you want to know a secret? I'm getting back on Instagram." However, it seems she later had a change of heart, postponing her plans.
Currently, there exists an Instagram account bearing Meghan's name, attracting tens of thousands of followers daily. This account has gained over 140,000 followers in a single month, despite Meghan Markle never officially confirming its authenticity or posting any content.
In April, Meghan joined the prominent talent agency WME, signaling her intent to explore various business ventures, including brand partnerships. Recent reports suggest she's in talks with several brands and is particularly keen on collaborating with luxury jeweler Cartier as part of her Instagram revival. The Daily Mail even speculates that Meghan could potentially earn up to one million dollars per sponsored post on Instagram.
While Meghan's return to social media appears inevitable, it raises the question of whether it's the wisest move. Opening this particular Pandora's Box may not be as beneficial as it seems. In fact, Meghan risks losing as much as she stands to gain.
Meghan and Harry's primary asset is their royal status. Their fame and notoriety stem from Harry's birthright, tracing his lineage back to the 9th century. This status sets them apart from ordinary A-list celebrities. However, once Meghan reenters the world of Instagram influencers and sponsored content, she threatens to dilute the magic of her royal distinction.
Meghan and Harry currently exist in a realm above typical celebrities, maintaining an otherworldly allure. But by returning to Instagram and potentially embracing the influencer lifestyle, they risk blending in with the masses. This shift could strip away the unique status they've enjoyed, reducing them to the level of ordinary public figures. Once that mystique is gone, it's challenging—if not impossible—to reclaim.
To put it simply, Meghan and Harry are at risk of transforming from royals to reality TV stars hawking teeth-whitening products. Peter Phillips, Harry's own cousin, faced public ridicule for his cringe-worthy endorsement of a Chinese milk company in early 2020. Meghan and Harry need to consider whether the allure of Instagram stardom is worth sacrificing the irreplaceable distinction of their royal lineage.
It's safe to say that Prince Harry's distant cousin, Peter Phillips, made quite a splash in the world of endorsements, playing up his connection to the royal family. However, many found it incredibly tacky, prompting us to ponder whether Meghan and Harry should follow a similar path.
The central question they must ask themselves is whether they truly want to tread this route. It's essential to consider that if either of them ventures into social media to promote products or services, it will be perceived as a money-driven endeavor.
Even if their Instagram account is filled with what appears to be 100% sponsored content, such as photos and videos of Megan and Harry engaging with underprivileged children or planting trees in Africa, it won't mask the underlying motivation—money.
Certainly, some may argue that Meghan should capitalize on her connection to a family that wasn't always welcoming to her. If that's her desire, there's no reason she shouldn't pursue it. However, they should be aware that once they align with major businesses, promoting high-end merchandise, they will effectively place themselves in the league of celebrities like Kim Kardashian, from which there may be no return.
Another crucial factor to consider is the consistent need for content on an Instagram account. Regular updates are essential to maintain engagement. Should Harry and Meghan start sharing mundane aspects of their daily lives, like sipping matcha lattes or showcasing Harry taking out the trash, they risk inviting the world into their Montecito bubble—contrary to their attempts to maintain some privacy.
While Harry and Meghan never explicitly stated their desire for privacy, their decision to step back from royal duties was undoubtedly rooted in a desire for greater control over their narrative. Launching a new social media account could grant them that control, allowing them to curate what parts of their lives they share and when. However, they should remember that once the public is invited inside, they can't simply eject them.
Finally, there's Harry to consider. Is this really the life he envisioned? Turning their lives into sponsored content for financial gain is a significant shift from their royal upbringing. Moreover, in a world where platforms like TikTok are gaining momentum and surpassing Instagram in terms of user engagement, Megan's return to Instagram raises questions about the platform's relevance.
In 2019, when Harry and Megan introduced their charity and a new Instagram presence, Sussex Royal, they gained one million followers in a mere six hours. It's safe to assume that when Meghan's new account goes live, this record will be surpassed, as it's already amassed thousands of followers within the time it took to create this video.
