Brand expert warns Meghan Markle her followers may desert her amid sudden 'radio silence' on Instagram

MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA: Meghan Markle’s personal Instagram account has gone unusually quiet, and experts are weighing in on what might be behind the sudden “radio silence.”

After making waves with her return to Instagram earlier this year and regularly sharing glimpses into her life, including updates on her children and her As Ever brand, the Duchess of Sussex hasn't posted since July 4.

Her last update showed the family's Independence Day tradition of baking cupcakes.

Brand expert says Meghan Markle might be 'building momentum' for a new announcement

Two experts believe the absence is likely intentional and strategic. 

Brand and culture expert Nick Ede told Express.co.uk that Meghan could simply be “building momentum” behind the scenes, particularly if her brand inventory is currently sold out.

“It’s a way of building momentum and so she can make a new announcement which once again will gain column inches. It’s tough for her to have her As Ever brand Instagram and her Meghan Instagram, and which ones she uses to push her brand. If she's sold out (of brand stock) then there’s no reason to push it on her personal socials as people will complain,” Ede said.

However, he also pointed out that the lack of consistency might cost her, stating, “The issue is that we all know with social media it's about consistency and speaking to your audience and it doesn’t feel like she's grasping that side of things. It may be that she genuinely doesn’t have anything to actively promote so she's taking a back seat for a while on that side of things, but her followers may desert her.”

Meghan Markle’s silence on Instagram sparks speculation about behind-the-scenes royal strategy

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggested Meghan Markle’s social media silence might be linked to behind-the-scenes royal strategy.

Although Meghan and Harry have denied sharing any information about the so-called “peace summit,” Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk that the duchess' continued silence on social media is “curious.”

“Meghan’s silence on Instagram is curious. It must, however, be linked to tactics. If they did leak it (the meeting), something I would personally bet on though without proof, it has had the intended effect of dominating coverage of royal events, with many commentators encouraging ‘reconciliation,’” he said.

Fitzwilliams speculated that if the couple did leak news of the meeting, it may have been to stir media attention or steer coverage back toward reconciliation narratives, in which case avoiding social media could serve a purpose. “Hence the lack of posts as they would draw no attention,” he remarked. 

While Meghan’s personal Instagram has gone silent for over two weeks, her As Ever brand account remains active, though at a slower pace, with the last post made nine days ago.