As speculation mounts about Meghan Markle’s potential return to social media, public interest has reignited over her standing in the ongoing narrative surrounding the British royal family. Meghan’s rumored re-entry into the digital world, particularly Instagram, has prompted analysts and fans alike to draw comparisons with her sister-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales. While the two women have taken very different approaches to public life, some experts believe Meghan’s potential comeback could position her to surpass Kate in online popularity and media influence.
Meghan has been largely absent from social media since she and Prince Harry stepped down from royal duties in early 2020. The couple previously ran the @SussexRoyal Instagram account, which quickly amassed millions of followers before it was deactivated following their departure from official royal roles. With the restrictions of royal life behind her, Meghan is now free to craft her public image on her own terms, without requiring approval from palace communications teams.
According to public relations expert Mayah Riaz, this newfound freedom could allow Meghan to dominate the social media space, particularly when compared with the more curated and reserved approach seen on Kate Middleton’s official accounts. “There is no doubt Meghan Markle could overtake Princess Catherine in popularity on platforms like Instagram,” Riaz explained. “Her content is likely to attract headlines and media coverage with every post. People are curious about her life, her family, and what she does now. That curiosity alone is enough to fuel massive online engagement.”
One factor working in Meghan’s favor is her prior experience as a lifestyle blogger and influencer. Before marrying into the royal family, Meghan ran a successful blog called The Tig, where she shared fashion tips, wellness content, and insights into her personal life. The site was praised for its relatability and authenticity, qualities that helped her connect with an audience long before she became a duchess.
Reports suggest that Meghan is considering reviving The Tig in some form, either as a blog or a branded Instagram platform. If true, it could provide her with a powerful space to showcase her personal brand, independent projects, philanthropic work, and family life with Prince Harry and their children, Archie and Lilibet. “The Tig was ahead of its time in terms of influencer culture,” Riaz noted. “Bringing it back would allow Meghan to not only reconnect with her previous audience but also tap into new demographics that value transparency and lifestyle storytelling.”
By contrast, Kate Middleton’s social media presence is managed by royal aides and adheres strictly to palace guidelines. Posts from the official Prince and Princess of Wales accounts are typically formal, emphasizing official engagements, charitable visits, and milestone events. While widely respected and admired, the content lacks the spontaneity and personality that Meghan might be able to offer through a personal account.
Recent public appearances by Meghan have further highlighted the contrast in how the two women engage with the public. Her joyful presence at Beyoncé’s concert, where she was seen dancing and enjoying the moment, drew both praise and criticism. Fans loved seeing her relaxed and happy in a public setting, while detractors called her attention-seeking. But as Riaz points out, it’s exactly this sort of candid visibility that can make Meghan a more magnetic presence on platforms like Instagram. “People are drawn to authenticity. Meghan knows how to create a narrative and how to drive engagement. That’s something the royal family has always struggled with in the digital age.”
Still, Meghan’s return to social media is unlikely to be without challenges. Her popularity remains polarizing, and online trolls have targeted her relentlessly since her royal wedding. Riaz acknowledges that any high-profile move by Meghan will inevitably invite backlash. “She’ll face criticism, there’s no doubt about that,” Riaz said. “But Meghan is a media-savvy individual. She’s learned to navigate that world, and she’ll likely have a strong digital team supporting her.”
If Meghan does choose to return to Instagram, she would join a growing list of celebrities and public figures using social media to reshape their public image, build brands, and connect with fans in meaningful ways. For someone like Meghan, who has spent the last several years trying to reclaim control over her narrative, the platform could serve as a powerful tool.
At the same time, Meghan’s renewed visibility could place more pressure on the royal family to modernize their digital strategy. While Kate remains one of the most beloved figures in the monarchy, her online content is often described as too polished and impersonal. Meghan’s more approachable and expressive style may appeal to a younger, more global audience, one that values openness and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of public figures.
The battle for social media dominance between Meghan and Kate may never be explicitly acknowledged, but the comparisons are inevitable. Each represents a different vision of modern royalty—Kate, the picture of tradition and composure, and Meghan, the embodiment of reinvention and independence. Their contrasting styles offer insight into how the monarchy is evolving in a world increasingly driven by online presence and digital branding.
Beyond Instagram, Meghan’s potential return to the public spotlight could extend to other platforms and ventures. There has been speculation that she may also explore podcasting again, possibly revamping her “Archetypes” brand. Additionally, her and Prince Harry’s production company, Archewell, remains active, with ongoing deals with Netflix and other media outlets.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on what Meghan chooses to do next. If she does relaunch The Tig or launch a new Instagram account, her follower count will likely skyrocket in a matter of days. But more importantly, she will be reclaiming a space she once thrived in—this time with more experience, more autonomy, and more at stake.
Whether Meghan ultimately overtakes Kate in popularity remains to be seen. Popularity, after all, is as much about perception as it is about presence. But one thing is clear: Meghan’s reentry into the social media world has the potential to reshape not only her public image, but also the broader conversation about modern royalty, celebrity influence, and the power of narrative in the digital age. As fans and critics alike prepare for her next move, Meghan Markle once again finds herself at the center of the cultural conversation—exactly where she seems most comfortable.
