Meghan Markle makes a comeback to Instagram after a four-year hiatus, unveiling her new brand, American Riviera Orchard
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, made a grand return to the social media realm on Thursday, March 14th, with the launch of her latest business endeavor, signaling her comeback to Instagram after a hiatus of four years. This significant move comes as a surprise to many, considering her decision to delete her social media accounts back in 2018, just ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry.
The new Instagram page, christened American Riviera Orchard, presents a fresh logo adorned with the word "Montecito," a nod to Meghan and Harry's chosen haven in Montecito, California, where they have established their post-royal life with their two children.
Adding a touch of regality to her online presence, Meghan's Instagram bio proudly states, “By Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex,” setting the stage for what is expected to be an exciting venture. While the page links to a website of the same name, it currently offers little beyond the captivating allure of its social media counterpart.
In her inaugural Instagram story, Meghan is captured amidst serene moments, engaging in activities like picking flowers and cooking, accompanied by the melodic strains of Nancy Wilson's "I Wish You Love" in the background.
The news of Meghan's return to the digital landscape has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among her supporters, many of whom fondly remember her erstwhile lifestyle platform, The Tig. The decision to shutter The Tig in 2017, coinciding with Meghan and Harry's engagement, left fans nostalgic for her insightful musings and curated content.
However, amidst the excitement, some online observers couldn't help but draw attention to the timing of Meghan's resurgence, juxtaposed against recent controversies surrounding Buckingham Palace. The fallout from Princess Kate's Photoshop scandal, coupled with Prince Charles' cancer diagnosis announcement, has dominated headlines, adding a layer of intrigue to Meghan's latest endeavor.
Just a week prior to her Instagram revival, Meghan participated in a panel discussion at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. During the discourse, she candidly acknowledged her decision to maintain a distance from social media, citing concerns for her well-being in light of past experiences with online abuse and harassment.
Reflecting on her journey as a mother, Meghan shared insights into the challenges she faced during pregnancy and early motherhood, particularly amidst the glare of public scrutiny. Welcoming her first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in 2019, and later, the arrival of daughter Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor in 2021, further underscored the complexities of navigating life under the spotlight.
Since their relocation to California in 2020, Meghan and Harry have embraced a newfound sense of independence, stepping away from the confines of royal obligations in pursuit of a more private and fulfilling existence.