Meghan Markle has made a return to Instagram with a surprise new project, unveiling a website and Instagram page for American Riviera Orchard. The bio on the Instagram page identifies the project as being by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. The first Instagram Story showcases Meghan engaging in activities like picking flowers and cooking, set to the tune of 'I Wish You Love' by Nancy Wilson.
American Riviera Orchard appears to pay homage to Santa Barbara, the California town where Meghan resides with Prince Harry and their two children. Santa Barbara has earned the moniker 'American Riviera' due to its pleasant climate, lush landscapes, and vibrant food and wine culture for over a century. The logo of the project also features Montecito, the neighborhood where the couple lives.
The waitlist signup offers a way for individuals to stay informed about products, availability, and updates, reminiscent of Meghan's previous venture, The Tig. The Tig was a lifestyle blog she founded in 2014, where she shared her favorite food and travel discoveries along with personal reflections.
This marks Meghan or Prince Harry's first public presence on social media since 2020 when they last updated their @SussexRoyal Instagram page after stepping back as working members of the royal family. Meghan had deactivated her personal social media profiles, including her Instagram account with 3 million followers, and The Tig blog after getting engaged to Prince Harry.
Following their marriage in May 2018, Meghan and Prince Harry's royal updates were shared on the @KensingtonRoyal accounts alongside news about Prince William and Kate Middleton. Subsequently, the couple launched a separate Instagram page, @SussexRoyal, as part of their efforts to establish an independent office from William and Kate.
In a recent interview, Meghan highlighted the strict rules surrounding the royals' social media presence, mentioning the requirement to first provide photos of their child to the Royal Rota before sharing them with the public. She expressed her reservations about this protocol, questioning why she should release photos of her child to the media before sharing them with loved ones.
Despite previously stating her intention to steer clear of social media for personal reasons, Meghan hinted at a potential return to Instagram in the future. The couple recently launched a new website, Sussex.com, which serves as a platform for the latest updates on their endeavors, including their Archewell Foundation organization and Archewell Productions hub.