Meghan Markle Disabled Instagram Comments To Protect 'Her Peace' & 'Mental Health,' PR Expert Says

Meghan Markle returned to Instagram with a New Year's Day beach reel and a trailer for her Netflix show "With Love, Meghan."

Amid her return, the Duchess of Sussex noticeably disabled comments on her page, preventing followers from directly leaving remarks about her posts.

PR expert Ed Hopkins has now revealed that disabling comments helps Meghan Markle protect her mental health from online negativity following past cyberbullying claims.

Why Meghan Markle Disabled Instagram Comments

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In an interview with Express, Celebrity PR expert Hopkins shed light on why Meghan decided to block comments on her new Instagram account.

Hopkins suggested that the former actress's decision to turn off comments on her Instagram is likely to "protect her mental health and reduce the risk of harmful or negative interactions."

Hopkins explained, "From a PR perspective, this decision isn't necessarily about avoiding engagement, but rather about protecting her mental health and reducing the risk of harmful or negative interactions, which can be all too common on social media platforms."

He added that this approach won't hinder Meghan's ability to connect with her audience, noting: "Meghan's posts can still foster engagement in other ways - such as through her choice of content, her message, and the conversations she sparks around her posts."

Hopkins noted that "ultimately," the Duchess is "likely looking to protect her peace while also sharing meaningful moments and causes with her followers."

"As we've seen from other public figures, taking control of one's digital environment can be a savvy and empowering move," the expert concluded.

The Duchess's New Year Instagram Post Marks Start Of Busy Year With Netflix Series

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the publication that Meghan's Instagram return makes "perfect sense" because it coincides with the release of her upcoming projects.

Fitzwilliams remarked: "It makes perfect sense to post the video to signal a new year which will lead to more activity. There is a link between her cookery series for Netflix which we should be seeing soon, and her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, which has trademark issues and has been delayed."

He added, "This should prove financially beneficial as should her Instagram posts if sponsored. She already has over 100,000 followers including some big names, but is currently following no one."

As of January 4, Meghan's Instagram account has reached over 1.3 million followers, with numbers continuing to climb, and although Prince Harry wasn't visible in her first video post, it is widely believed he was behind the camera, capturing the carefree moment.

Their children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, were also notably absent from the post.

Meghan Markle's Netflix Trailer Faces Criticism For Glamorous Portrayal

Shortly after her beach video, Meghan delighted followers once more by unveiling the trailer for her highly-anticipated Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan."

In the trailer, Meghan is seen cooking with guests like actresses Mindy Kaling and her "Suits" co-star Abigail Spencer, arranging flowers and beekeeping.

The eight-episode show, which will premiere on January 15, will feature Meghan hosting celebrity friends at a California estate and offering cooking, gardening, and entertaining tips.

However, speaking to The Mirror, royal historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop cautioned that the trailer's overly curated and glamorous portrayal might backfire.

Dunlop remarked, "It is all too easy to mock Meghan and the perfect world she presents in her new Netflix trailer: shiny (slightly) famous friends, effortfully fresh food, Insta-ready images."

She added, "But worry not, apparently this is just what the Duchess does: in her words, 'I have always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it.' And no, she is not talking about Prince Harry, who this time is lucky enough to make an appearance alongside his influencer wife and her millennial chums."

Dunlop also pointed out Meghan's claim of creating a warm, familial atmosphere, with celebrity chef Roy Choi commenting, "They are family now."

However, Dunlop noted that, given the Sussexes' "track record with their nearest and dearest," this sentiment may ring hollow.

Meghan Markle's Lifestyle Brand Was Not Mentioned In The Trailer For Her Netflix Show

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Viewers of Meghan's new Netflix trailer have been left puzzled, as the promo does not mention her much-anticipated lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

Launched with a dedicated website and Instagram page last March, the brand drew attention after a trademark application revealed plans to sell jams, spreads, and luxury homeware.

However, despite the initial excitement, the products have only been shared privately with Meghan's celebrity friends, who showcased her jam on social media in April.

No items have been made available for public purchase, and the brand's progress appears to have stalled amid ongoing trademark issues. The American Riviera Orchard Instagram account has also remained inactive.

The Duchess Hinted At Her Return To Instagram In 2020

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In 2020, Meghan teased in a conversation with The Cut that she would return to Instagram after being forced to shut it down in 2018 before her royal wedding to Harry.

"Do you want to know a secret? I'm getting back … on Instagram," she said at the time.

However, she has already used Instagram to promote her brand, American Riviera Orchard. Meghan reportedly launched the Montecito-based brand as an extension of her old blog, The Tig, noting that it will focus on home, garden, food, and general lifestyle.

A source close to Meghan told Harper's Bazaar that her brand was "something more accessible … something rooted in her love of details, curating, hosting, life's simple pleasures, and family."

The source added, "Meghan is busy working on creating something safe and timeless. And something that won't be accused of riding on the back of anything royal."