Meghan Markle surprised the digital world with a bold return to social media, unveiling a new chapter that merges her royal heritage with personal passion. However, she faced criticism for this new venture.
American Rivera Orchid logo, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/AmericaRiveraOrchid
Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex, has recently made waves with her return to social media, unveiling an Instagram account named American Riviera Orchard. This move is particularly striking, given her previous public stance on the downsides of social media.
The account, as stated in its bio, is personally run “by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex,” signaling a significant step back into the digital world for Meghan.
American Rivera Orchid’s flower arrangement, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/AmericaRiveraOrchid
Meghan Markle standing in a hallway, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/AmericaRiveraOrchid
To date, the page features just the brand’s logo and name, yet Meghan has already begun sharing Instagram stories, including videos of herself cooking, arranging flowers, and standing in the hallway of what appears to be her Montecito, California home.
The internet’s response to Meghan’s re-emergence on social media has been deeply divided. Criticism has been swift, with many pointing out perceived contradictions between her past grievances with public scrutiny and her current use of a public platform.
Meghan Markle cooking, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/AmericaRiveraOrchid
Meghan Markle’s Instagram story, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/AmericaRiveraOrchid
“Where’s the privacy they so much long for? What about stepping down from royal duties and not going to use the titles,” one person wrote. “They don’t know how to do anything if it’s not related with their titles.”
“Crying everywhere about how terrible social media [is] & how people abuse her, opens a new Instagram to exploit the title & make money from it,” another echoed.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/AmericaRiveraOrchid
Other critics argued, “Not worth a dime from me,” “I see you’re still using that title… the one you ran away from!!!! What a joke,” and “So low !! [sic] Still using the Royal family.”
Conversely, a significant portion of the online community came to Meghan’s defense, underscoring the harshness of the critiques and expressing support for her new venture.