Duchess of Sussex posts a rare teenage snapshot on Instagram just as Prince Harry’s controversial US visa documents go public, raising eyebrows over the timing

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, surprised her followers with a never-before-seen throwback photo from her high school years, a post that has sparked intrigue due to its curious timing. Just minutes after Prince Harry’s long-awaited visa court documents were released to the public, Meghan, 43, shared the nostalgic snap on Instagram, celebrating her past while sidestepping the media frenzy surrounding her husband’s legal situation.

The candid black-and-white photograph, which appears to be from her teenage years at Immaculate Heart, a private all-girls Catholic school in Los Angeles, was accompanied by a heartfelt caption. “When your dear friend from middle school/high school sends you something from your Alma mater and it brings the biggest smile to your face. Go Pandas. Thanks, Sush xo,” she wrote, tagging her former school.

While fans were quick to gush over Meghan’s youthful appearance and fond high school memories, the post’s timing raised speculation about whether it was a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the legal developments surrounding Prince Harry’s visa. The US government had been under pressure to disclose details about the Duke of Sussex’s immigration status, particularly concerning allegations of potential preferential treatment in his application process.

The heavily redacted documents were finally made public, and claims of any wrongdoing were dismissed. They stated: “Plaintiffs allege that the records should be disclosed as public confidence in the government would suffer or to establish whether the Duke was granted preferential treatment. This speculation by Plaintiffs does not point to any evidence of government misconduct.” The records further emphasised that all procedures followed were in compliance with immigration laws.

The Sussexes have remained tight-lipped about Harry’s visa controversy, refusing to directly address ongoing speculation about whether his past admissions of drug use may have influenced his entry into the United States. The court battle to access his immigration documents has been an ongoing saga, with many critics arguing that the couple’s insistence on privacy contradicts their public advocacy for transparency.

Despite the media storm, Meghan’s latest Instagram post garnered thousands of likes and comments within minutes. Some fans saw it as a sweet, innocent throwback, while others speculated whether the post served as a subtle PR move to shift focus from the intensifying scrutiny around her husband’s legal battle.

The Duchess’ social media activity has always been strategic, and this latest move has only added fuel to the fire. Whether it was a simple trip down memory lane or a well-timed distraction, one thing remains certain—Meghan Markle knows how to command attention, even when the headlines are not in her favour.