When The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK and their roles as senior royals, they cited unreasonable levels of intrusion and criticism, and vowed to have as normal a life as possible as they pursued new goals. One side effect of this move, however, is a drop in public interest. As they work out their next steps and forge their new paths, they may be interested to note a marked decline in their social media following.
Earlier this year, the Sussex Royal account boasted an impressive 11.3 million Instagram followers. In January, their announcement fuelled a sharp increase in followers, and they surpassed The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's numbers for their Kensington Royal account. Since the couple made their split official in March, however, the account has dropped to 10.8 million. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, meanwhile, have risen to 12 million, meaning their social media reach is more than 1.2 million more than the other half of the Fab Four.
The decrease is, most likely, down to inactivity, and a general desire to follow accounts that post regularly. When Harry and Meghan published their last Instagram post at the end of March, they made it clear that they were, essentially, signing off for good. Many social media users, therefore, may have wondered if there was any point in continuing to follow the couple. Additionally, the royal family's website has now removed Sussex Royal from their list of official royal accounts. Prince Andrew has also had his official account removed.
'What’s most important right now is the health and wellbeing of everyone across the globe and finding solutions for the many issues that have presented themselves as a result of this pandemic', the couple wrote in March in their final post. 'As we all find the part we are to play in this global shift and changing of habits, we are focusing this new chapter to understand how we can best contribute. While you may not see us here, the work continues.'
When reports circulated of their next venture - a foundation called Archewell - they confirmed the news, but have declined to discuss details since. It is thought that they will return to social media via a new account and channel when they are ready to say more, when they feel that the world is ready post-pandemic. For now, though, they are naturally focusing on building a new life in the US, and raising son Archie.
Naturally, we'll be hitting the follow button as soon as they make their next steps - and their next Instagram handle - known.
READ MORE::a[The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Social Media Transformation]{href='https://graziadaily.co.uk/celebrity/news/cambridge-william-kate-instagram-david-watkins/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}
Meghan Markle Pregnancy Style
.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
1 of 37meghan markle pregnant oufits
Her last public engagement before the royal baby is due was on Commonwealth Day, where she wore a Victoria Beckham ensemble. Her dress, coat, clutch and satin pumps were all from the designers A/W collection.
2 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
On International Women's Day, Meghan attended a panel in a Reiss dress paired with an Alexander McQueen blazer. The Stella McCartney cross body bag also matched her Manolo Blahnik pumps.
3 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
On a visit to Canada House, Meghan sported Canadian designer Erdem. The coat dress was a step away from her usual style.
4 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
At the Wider Earth Gala, Meghan wore this beautiful Calvin Klein dress with Ralph Lauren 'Celia' pumps and an Amanda Wakeley coat.
5 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
Sporting the 'Crombie' once more at a Palace reception earlier this month, Meghan's metallic floral dress was paired with a Wilbur & Gussie clutch.
6 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
This stunning Valentino ensemble designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli. Her dress, cape and VRING bag were all a nod to the designer, while her nude gloves were Gianvito Rossi.
7 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style
Making a surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards calls for a pretty spectacular outfit. Enter this timeless number, which has since set the bar high for one-shoulder gowns.
8 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style
Meghan visited Smart Works, which one of the four new patronages, wearing a simple maternity dress from Hatch. She paired this with a classic trench coat from Oscar de la Renta, and part-sheer printed heels by Gianvito Rossi. Understated yet elegant.
9 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style
Whilst attending a Royal Variety performance, Meghan dazzled in a sleek black skirt and monochrome top that featured a floral pattern. We love.
10 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style
When visiting Birkenhead with her beau Prince Harry, Meghan wore a bright purple dress under this striking red coat by fashion brand Sentaler. Her statement red shoes were from Stuart Weitzman, and we're pretty obsessed with them.
11 of 37meghan markle pregnant oufits
During a visit to Brinsworth House (which is the Royal Variety Charity's residential nursing and care home), Meghan stepped out wearing a clean white floral dress by brand Brock Collection. To beat the chill, she threw on a long grey coat Soia and Kyo, before completing her look with a classic nude clutch and heels.
12 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style outfits
Meghan wore a Roland Mouret sequin gown during a visit to watch a charity performance of Cirque du Soleil at Royal Albert Hall. Her sequined evening look was paired with black heels by Stuart Weitzman, and she donned a slicked back bun and bold lips.
13 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style
Drawing inspiration from her sister-in-law Kate Middleton, Meghan often to wear an affordable cream dress from H&M during a visit to Mayhew, one of her royal patronages. She covered the dress with a smart Armani coat and heels. Chic.
14 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style
Burgundy is definitely the Duchess' colour! This Club Monaco coat and her collared dress make for a match-made in heaven. And when paired with with black tights and chunky heeled boots, we have a winning winter outfit.
15 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style
For the final Armistice Day service at Westminster Abbey, Meghan wore an elegant navy skirt and boxed-style shoulder peplum top, complete with a headpiece and large poppy pin.
16 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
Can we just take a moment for this custom Givenchy outfit? Created for her last royal engagement in New Zealand, Meghan married a classy navy sweater with a pleated maxi skirt which showcased different shades of blue.
17 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
Attending a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to Morocco during her second day of the Morocco tour in February, Meghan wore this stunning Dior gown with diamond earrings and a matching satin clutch.
18 of 37meghan markle pregnancy
The Duchess has opted to wear navy on several occasions during her pregnancy, including the time she wore this Antonio Berardi dress with a pair of Aquazzura heels.
19 of 37meghan markle baby outfits
Yes, Meghan Markle is often spotted wearing heels and princess-worthy gowns, but she's also capable of rocking a more laid-back style with ease. Take this Karen Walker blazer, J.Crew skinny jeans, and practical rain boots as proof.
20 of 37meghan markle pregnancy
In New Zealand, Meghan wore this gorgeous plaid trench by Karen Walker. She layered it over a black dress which was sold on ASOS, proving that designer and high-street go hand-in-hand.
21 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style
For her speech at the Invictus Games closing ceremony, Meghan donned a tailored, olive green dress by the designer Antonio Berardi. She completed her look with a poppy pin.
22 of 37meghan markle pregnancy outfits
Meghan accompanied Harry to watch the wheelchair basketball finals at Invictus Games, and donned a casual yet chic outfit. The Duchess proved that a simple pair of skinny jeans and a wrap top are in still very much in style.
23 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style
Meghan wowed the crowd at Australian Geographic Society Awards in this flowing Oscar de la Renta gown, which she styled with slingback heels.
24 of 37meghan markle pregnancy outfits style
Have you ever seen a Veronica Beard Cary Dress and blue suede shoes look so chic together?
25 of 37meghan markle pregnancy outfit
What does one wear to dinner with the King and Queen of Tonga? Only a white gown by Theia, pumps by Aquazzura and earrings by Birks, of course!
26 of 37green dress meghan markle pregnancy outfit
Whilst attended the unveiling of a statue in honour of a British-Fijan soldier, Meghan chose to wear Jason Wu green mid-length dress with pointed heels and an arm cuff.
27 of 37blue dress meghan markle pregnancy
The Duchess's eye-catching blue gown by Safiyaa, married with a pair of diamond drop earrings, is one of our favourite Meghan Markle outfits of all-time.
28 of 37white dress meghan markle pregnancy outfits
White 3/4 sleeve dress + matching Stephen Jones fascinator _ straw clutch = Heaven in an outfit.
29 of 37meghan markle black dress
We're obsessed with this black Emilia Wickstead dress which features dainty buttons all the way down the middle. And it looks even better when paired with this Philip Treacy fascinator, don't you think?
30 of 37meghan markle pregnancy style dress
A striped Martin Grant dress is the only plausible outfit to wear on the beach, right? We certainly think so.
31 of 37meghan markle outfit pregnancy
See, we told you that Meghan is a fan of the colour navy. Lots of her dress choices - like this two-toned number by Roksanda - feature varying shades of blue.
32 of 37meghan markle blue navy dress
Let's face it: we can't blame Meghan for her love affair with navy - she really does know how to pull the colour off, and it's complementary against her dark hair colour.
33 of 37meghan markle pregnancy dress
When we first saw Meghan wearing this forest green Brandon Maxwell dress, we fell hard in love, and in all honestly, we haven't stopped thinking about it since.
34 of 37meghan markle
This classy white dress by Australian designer Karen Gee was the first item that Meghan was spotted in after the news of her pregnancy was confirmed.
35 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
Truly teaching us how to rock airport style, everyone was obsessed with this low-key look. Carrying the Le Sud leather weekender from Cuyana, she made leggings and trainers look chic by adding a camel coat.
36 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
This all black look was part of her New York style revival when she visited the city for her baby shower back in February. Carrying a Caroline Herrera bag in nude and matching with nude heels, she looked VERY A-list and we were VERY here for it.
37 of 37meghan markle outfits pregnancy baby
A casual look for her Morocco tour, Meghan paired an Alice and Olivia Simpson jacket with a Babaton Roland blouse and her classic Manolo Blahnik Carolyne's.