Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry now follow just 15 Instagram accounts

Couple describes accounts as those that are 'persevering at the grassroots level'

Katie O'Malley
Monday 05 August 2019 10:00 BST
Comments
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced the 15 Instagram accounts they now follow days after calling on the public to send them their suggestions.

Last week, the royal couple’s Instagram account @sussexroyal posted a photograph of a blue square with the pair’s royal crest and the question: “Who is your force for change?”.

In the caption to the image, Prince Harry and Meghan asked for their 9.2 million followers to let them know who they believe are forces for change in the world and who they should follow on the social media platform as a result.

On Monday, the couple posted a grid image representing nine of the 15 accounts their Instagram account now follows including children’s heart charity Tiny Tickers, non-profit marine conservation organisation Love The Oceans and Kenyan children’s charity Rafiki Mwema.

“This month we turned to you for ideas of accounts to follow featuring people, organisations and causes that you find inspiring or noteworthy,” the photo’s caption reads.

“Thank you to each and every one of you who contributed! Many of you have suggested that we use this month as an opportunity to highlight lesser known organisations and shine a light on those working hard behind the scenes that may not get the level of attention that they so rightly deserve."

The caption continues, describing that the accounts @sussexroyal follows celebrate “those persevering at the grassroots level, connecting our global community through a shared lens of giving back and helping one another”.

“Thank you for being part of this collective conversation with us; we hope everyone has enjoyed discovering many of these accounts and engaging with each other on how we can all be Forces For Change,” the message concluded.

Other charities now followed by the royals’ Instagram account include not-for-profit living well organisation Global Wellness Day, humanitarian organisation Plan International UK, bees’ charity BeesCause, and dog shelter Pawsitive Change.

Several followers of the royals’ account have praised the duke and duchess on following a wide range of charitable causes.

“What an amazing work, you guys are the best,” commented one follower.

“Great way to put those organisations on the map! Will definitely be checking them out,” added another.

Last week, the couple explained that they would choose 15 accounts to follow from Monday 5 August for the month, as they spend “the month of August acknowledging the Forces for Change in all our lives”.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex make an official visit to the Joff Youth Centre in Peacehaven, Sussex on 3 October last year

The couple’s post came days after British Vogue announced Meghan – who celebrated her 38th birthday on Sunday – had guest edited the fashion publication’s September issue which is titled “Forces for Change”.

The issue features 15 women on the cover, hailing from the worlds of politics, sports and the arts.

On Sunday, Prince Harry wished his “amazing wife” a happy birthday on Instagram.

On the morning of Meghan‘s birthday, the official Instagram account that she and Prince Harry share posted a picture of the duchess taken in Tonga in October last year, alongside a celebratory caption.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

“Wishing HRH the Duchess of Sussex a very Happy Birthday,” the message stated.

The caption included an additional note from Prince Harry, which read: ”’Happy Birthday to my amazing wife. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!’ – Love, H.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in