Duchess of Sussex disables comments on new Instagram video to protect her mental health, says an expert.

Meghan Markle has taken the internet by storm with her return to Instagram, posting a playful New Year’s video on her new account. However, the Duchess of Sussex’s decision to disable comments on the post has sparked a mix of curiosity and disappointment among her followers.

According to celebrity PR expert Ed Hopkins, Meghan’s move was a deliberate and “savvy” choice aimed at protecting her mental health and fostering a positive online environment.

Hopkins told The Express that the decision reflects Meghan’s intent to create a space free from the negativity she has often faced in the digital realm. “From a PR perspective, this decision isn’t necessarily about avoiding engagement,” Hopkins explained, “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.”

Ever since Meghan began her relationship with Prince Harry, she has been subjected to intense public scrutiny and frequent online backlash. This toxic commentary intensified during her time as a working royal and after her move to the United States.

Hopkins noted that disabling comments is a step toward ensuring Meghan’s digital environment aligns with her well-being. “By limiting public commentary, she’s likely seeking to create a more positive and supportive space for herself and her followers,” he added.

The Duchess’s decision to rejoin Instagram marks her re-entry into a platform she previously used to share personal updates and insights into her philanthropic work before her marriage. Since stepping back from her senior royal duties, Meghan has leaned into projects that align with her values, including her podcast and collaborations with humanitarian organisations.

However, her social media return comes with a cautious approach. By disabling comments, Meghan signals that she is prioritising peace of mind over metrics like engagement and follower interaction. This trend reflects a growing awareness among public figures about the mental health challenges posed by social media.

Hopkins further explained that controlling one’s online presence is increasingly common among celebrities. “Ultimately, the key here is balance,” he said. “Meghan is likely looking to protect her peace while also sharing meaningful moments and causes with her followers. Taking control of one’s digital environment can be a savvy and empowering move.”

The strategy also positions Meghan as a role model for navigating social media in a thoughtful and intentional way. Fans have applauded the Duchess for her self-care prioritisation, interpreting it as a bold stance against the toxic culture of internet trolling.

For critics, however, the move has been met with scepticism, with some accusing Meghan of avoiding accountability by silencing feedback. Nonetheless, PR experts argue that her approach underlines the importance of protecting mental health in a world where online negativity can have real-life consequences.

Meghan’s social media presence is likely to focus on amplifying charitable causes and sharing moments from her family life, including her experiences as a mother to Archie and Lilibet. By carefully curating her digital environment, the Duchess aims to strike a balance between personal expression and public advocacy.

The video, which features Meghan celebrating the New Year with an upbeat tone, marks the start of what could be a new chapter in her public image. Whether this Instagram strategy will redefine how she engages with the public remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Meghan is determined to control her narrative in a way that prioritises her mental health and personal values.

As Meghan carves out her space in the ever-evolving digital world, her approach could inspire other public figures to rethink their relationships with social media, embracing positivity and mindfulness over unchecked engagement.