Meghan Markle’s Instagram Return: A Nostalgic Misstep

Meghan Markle has made her much-anticipated return to Instagram, but the reception is less than enthusiastic.

After a seven-year hiatus from the platform and her lifestyle blog, The Dig, she re-emerged on January 1st with the handle @Meghan.

However, instead of celebrating her comeback, many are scratching their heads at what they perceive as a misguided homage to the iconic 1990s supermodel, Kate Moss.

Her inaugural Instagram Reel features Meghan running barefoot along a desolate beach, clad in a loose white button-up shirt and matching capri pants.

The video captures her sprinting toward the ocean, striking dramatic poses, and inscribing “2025” in the sand.

The overall aesthetic aims for an ethereal, whimsical vibe, reminiscent of vintage Instagram trends.

Yet, the execution leaves much to be desired, resembling more of a copy-paste job than a fresh take.

Fashion enthusiasts and royal watchers quickly noted the parallels between Meghan's beachy escapade and Kate Moss's celebrated 1990s style, characterized by black-and-white photography, tousled hair, and an effortless minimalist approach.

Unfortunately, Meghan's interpretation feels more like a Pinterest-inspired throwback from 2011 rather than a tribute to the fashion legend.

Let's dissect the elements: a bleak beach backdrop?

Check.

A flowing white ensemble?

Double check.

Bare feet, loose hair, and a big smile?

All present.

But where's the authenticity?

Originality seems to be on vacation.

You can almost imagine Kate Moss chuckling from afar, martini in hand, as Meghan's 2025 content evokes a nostalgic time capsule rather than a contemporary statement.

This isn't the first time Meghan has faced criticism for borrowing from influential white women.

From Princess Diana to Catherine, Princess of Wales, and now Kate Moss, critics have pointed out a pattern in her inspirations.

Some observers have raised eyebrows, suggesting that Meghan could draw from biracial American icons like Halle Berry, whom she might resonate with more deeply.

Instead, we get this questionable homage, which many deem unoriginal.

Commenters on social media couldn't resist pointing out that Meghan's attempt at effortless chic appeared more worn-out than polished.

One user remarked that her skin tells a story that diverges from the youthful glow of Kate Moss.

In a platform known for reinvention, Meghan's aesthetic feels stuck in a bygone era, as if she believes the world hasn't moved past 1997.

Spoiler alert: it has.

The low production quality of her debut reel also contributed to the lackluster response.

While Kate Moss's iconic images are celebrated works of art, Meghan's video plays out like an awkward jog on a dreary beach.

Where's the vision?

Where's the flair?

It seems as though the entire project was hastily assembled between yoga sessions and frantic Googling about how to be iconic.

Markle's Instagram comeback appears less like a modern rebranding and more like a tongue-in-cheek parody of influencer culture.

Her effort to channel Kate Moss's legendary minimalism falls flat, underscoring that she may not possess the fashion acumen or creative insight she needs.

If anything, this debut suggests that Meghan could benefit from enlisting a stylist, a savvy social media manager, and perhaps even a time machine to elevate her content into the present day.