Mon, Jan 18, 2021
Newsweek
World

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Just Did the Unthinkable: They Unfollowed Everyone on Instagram

By
World Royal Family World
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Just Did the Unthinkable, They Unfollowed Everyone on Instagram
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the Women's Empowerment reception hosted by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Royal Aeronautical Society on April 19, 2018 in London, England. Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Social media can be harsh. There are the nasty comments and an endless parade of annoying posts about food, but there's one thing you can do online that is universally considered downright cruel: to unfollow someone. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just did exactly that on Instagram.

But before you start calling shade, there's a reason why you may have just been unfollowed by a prince and princess. In fact, they do this every month, in an effort to highlight organizations and accounts they support.

In a new post, the couple explained that for the month of August they are seeking the advice of the public to nominate forces for change in their lives, which just so happens to be the theme of the British Vogue September issue that Markle guest-edited.

"For the month of August, we look to you for help. We want to know who YOUR Force for Change is.... Each month, we change the accounts we follow to highlight various causes, people or organizations doing amazing things for their communities and the world at large," the post read.

"Over the next few days please add your suggestions into the comments section: someone you look up to, the organization doing amazing work that we should all be following, an account that inspires you to be and do better (or that simply makes you feel good), or the handle that brims with optimism for a brighter tomorrow."

"We will choose 15 accounts and follow them next Monday, as we spend the month of August acknowledging the Forces for Change in all of our lives."

View this post on Instagram

For the month of August we look to you for help. We want to know who YOUR Force for Change is.... Each month, we change the accounts we follow to highlight various causes, people or organisations doing amazing things for their communities and the world at large. Over the next few days please add your suggestions into the comments section: someone you look up to, the organisation doing amazing work that we should all be following, an account that inspires you to be and do better (or that simply makes you feel good), or the handle that brims with optimism for a brighter tomorrow. We will choose 15 accounts and follow them next Monday, as we spend the month of August acknowledging the Forces for Change in all of our lives.

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

The account the royal couple shares (which is just downright adorable, right?), @sussexroyal, is currently following zero accounts as of this reporting. They have over nine million followers on Instagram.

The British Vogue issue featuring the couple has become an endless source of news (and anger for some).

Prince Harry mentioned in the issue that the couple would only have two kids, "maximum," in a conversation about the environment with Dr. Jane Goodall.

Even the cover of the magazine became controversial, because Markle opted not to appear on it, saying it made her feel "boastful," British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful said in a statement about the issue. This comment fueled rumors of a feud between Markle and Kate Middleton, who posed on the cover of the magazine in May 2016.

Another controversy the cover ignited was the exclusion of someone very important: the Queen. The cover showed 15 trailblazing women handpicked by Markle, with one slot a reflective mirror to tell the reader they too are a force for change.

View this post on Instagram

We are proud to announce that Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex is the Guest Editor for the September issue of @BritishVogue. For the past seven months, The Duchess has curated the content with British Vogue's Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful to create an issue that highlights the power of the collective. They have named the issue: “Forces for Change” For the cover, The Duchess chose a diverse selection of women from all walks of life, each driving impact and raising the bar for equality, kindness, justice and open mindedness. The sixteenth space on the cover, a mirror, was included so that when you hold the issue in your hands, you see yourself as part of this collective. The women on the cover include: @AdwoaAboah @AdutAkech @SomaliBoxer @JacindaArdern @TheSineadBurke @Gemma_Chan @LaverneCox @JaneFonda @SalmaHayek @FrankieGoesToHayward @JameelaJamilOfficial @Chimamanda_Adichie @YaraShahidi @GretaThunberg @CTurlington We are excited to announce that within the issue you’ll find: an exclusive interview between The Duchess and former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, a candid conversation between The Duke of Sussex and Dr Jane Goodall, inspirational articles written by Brené Brown, Jameela Jamil and many others. Equally, you’ll find grassroots organisations and incredible trailblazers working tirelessly behind the scenes to change the world for the better. • “Guest Editing the September issue of British Vogue has been rewarding, educational and inspiring. To deep dive into this process, working quietly behind the scenes for so many months, I am happy to now be able to share what we have created. A huge thanks to all of the friends who supported me in this endeavour, lending their time and energy to help within these pages and on the cover. Thank you for saying “Yes!” - and to Edward, thank you for this wonderful opportunity.” - The Duchess of Sussex #ForcesForChange

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

Request Reprint & Licensing, Submit Correction or view Editorial Guidelines