Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left the ranks of the senior royals last year following a protracted battle for independence. The couple had grown disenchanted with their life amongst the British elite, regularly voicing their unhappiness with their public roles. They have since taken on offers with media companies in the US to create content, and have sought to grow their brand independently of the crown.
Why did Meghan Markle close her social media accounts?
As a single actress, the Duchess of Sussex had a growing social media presence, with both active Twitter and Instagram accounts.
She had also established a smash-hit Instagram account which amassed millions of followers with Prince Harry.
But both her individual and Sussex presences evaporated from the web when she married the Prince and left the UK, eliminating what could have become a lucrative income stream.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle the ‘climax’ of Prince Harry’s redemption before tragedy
The agreement the couple reached with other senior royals before they left the UK prevented them from using the Sussex Royal brand.
As an extension of this brand, their Instagram account, @SussexRoyal, became a casualty of their departure to the US.
They have yet to reestablish a social media presence, something they could use as a revenue stream.
The Duchess also recently revealed she had “concerns” about social media, however.
“There is something algorithmically that is in there that is creating this obsession that I think is very unhealthy for a lot of people.”
“I have a lot of concerns for people that have become obsessed with it and it is so much a part of our daily culture for so many people that it is an addiction.”
The Duchess’ recent comments mirror those made in the recent documentary “The Social Dilemma” which touches on social media addiction.
She pleaded with people to “be conscious” of their online activities, which while enjoyable, can be deceptive.
She added: “As you’re out there building your brand, as you are out there engaging with friends online, just be conscious of what you’re doing
“Understand that it is not limited to that one moment—that you are creating an echo chamber for yourself.”
The Duchess also revealed she had chosen not to go back on social media for her “own self-preservation”.
She said: “I have not been on social media for a very long time. I made a personal choice to not have any account, so I don’t know what’s out there, and in many ways that’s helpful for me.”
