Meghan Markle made a striking return to social media last week and has since announced an upcoming Netflix series titled With Love, Meghan, creating a whirlwind of excitement among her followers.

The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly setting her sights on 2025 as a transformative year. After retreating from royal duties with Prince Harry for a more private life in California, Meghan’s return to social media this week, following a five-year hiatus, has caused a significant stir.

On New Year’s Day, the 43-year-old Duchess unveiled her new Instagram account, @meghan, with a charming video of herself running along the beach, tracing “2025” in the sand, filmed by Prince Harry near their Montecito home.

This wasn’t the only surprise Meghan had for her fans. She soon revealed her upcoming Netflix food series, With Love, Meghan. Insiders suggest that this rebranding might carry a deeper significance, signaling more than just a return to the spotlight.

“Meghan has spent the past year refining her brand and distancing herself from royal controversies. Although she still feels wronged by her treatment, she realizes the public is tired of the constant royal criticisms. She aims for a fresh start to build a lasting media career,” an insider shared.

“Not using her title is key for her to avoid accusations of leveraging her royal status. She wants to be seen as Meghan—part of her new brand launch, aiming to prove her worth to Netflix and reconnect with audiences,” the Mirror reports, citing OK! Denise Palmer-Davies, director of Borne Media, agrees, noting that this strategy could help Meghan regain public favor and solidify her as a “valuable asset.”

Palmer-Davies commented, “Meghan’s Instagram relaunch is a carefully planned strategy, sending a clear message: ‘I’m still here, independent, and here to stay.'”

“By re-entering social media, Meghan can share a more personal side of her life, making her more relatable. Social media, if used well, offers her a chance to reshape public perception, a feat traditional interviews haven’t achieved,” she added.

Meghan, who once ran the popular lifestyle blog The Tig, has often been at the center of royal drama. Her social media comeback, after previously closing an account with over three million followers due to an “almost unsurvivable” wave of abuse, created significant online buzz.

Her new digital presence quickly amassed over a million followers. As fans anticipate her new series, she teased them with a trailer, heightening excitement.

Aside from hosting, Meghan is also an executive producer for the series, which blends culinary delights, gardening, flower arranging, beekeeping, and baking with celebrity friends like Mindy Kaling, Abigail Spencer, and Delfina Blaquier. A brief cameo in the trailer hints at Prince Harry’s involvement in the project, which premieres this month.

Meghan seems poised to step into the limelight independently, suggesting a shift towards solo ventures. Although she and Prince Harry have embarked on various media projects since leaving royal duties, it appears Meghan is taking the lead with this one.

Their notable projects include a self-titled Netflix series released in December 2022, Live to Lead on New Year’s Eve 2022, The Heart of Invictus last year, and the forthcoming Meet Me at the Lake. However, branding expert Denise notes that Meghan’s recent actions signify her desire to assert independence.

“This is a significant step in Meghan’s journey toward asserting her independence. Past collaborations with Harry haven’t always resonated, and now she seems focused on reclaiming her pre-marriage identity. Her Riviera Orchard brand launch subtly signals her readiness for solo ventures,” Denise explained.

Though Meghan has kept a low profile before this announcement, it’s clear she’s been busy behind the scenes. Denise concludes, “This relaunch gives Meghan a chance to reposition herself, reconnect with the public, and highlight her individuality. If handled well, it could greatly enhance her public image.”