Understanding the Unfollow: A Strategic Move or Attention-Seeking?
It's no secret that the Royal Family is heavily invested in both personal and professional branding through social media. With the rollout of the Queen's official Instagram account, it's clear that the royal influence aims to extend its reach and interact with the public on a more personal level. However, the recent move by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, to unfollow certain Royal accounts on Instagram has sparked debates about their motives and the strategic significance of this action.
The Royal Instagram Ecosystem
Historical Context: The royal family has a rich tradition of involvement in various charities and causes. Historically, there was an Instagram account used by the family collectively to share their work and projects. However, the decision made by Queen Elizabeth II to open her own Instagram account and extend the opportunity to her children signals a new era for the royal family's digital presence.
Queen Elizabeth II's official Instagram account has been well-received, and her royal staff now regularly update it with photos and information about her engagements. Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan have also been granted the privilege to create their own social media accounts, each with separate focuses and projects. This change in policy reflects a desire to allow each member of the royal family to work on their own initiatives and gain recognition for their individual efforts.
Harry and Meghan's Mental Health Initiative
Mental Health Awareness: The significance of May being both Mental Health Awareness Month in the US and Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK cannot be overstated. In their Instagram page, Harry and Meghan have spearheaded a campaign to highlight the work of numerous organizations dedicated to improving mental well-being. Their post emphasizes the importance of mental fitness, body positivity, self-care, and human connection, demonstrating their commitment to mental health awareness.
By dedicating their influencer power to this cause, Harry and Meghan have effectively brought attention to the critical issue of mental health and the work of those providing support. Their strategy aims to shine a light on various Instagram accounts that promote mental well-being, rather than just following or unfollowing others.
Strategic Unfollow or Attention-Seeking?
Strategic Consideration: The act of unfollowing certain Royal accounts can be seen as a strategic move rather than an attention-seeking behavior. By redirecting their focus, Harry and Meghan are emphasizing their own initiatives and commitment to their chosen causes. Their decision to only follow accounts that align with their mental health awareness goals demonstrates a clear and focused vision.
These accounts, which they have highlighted, are managed by Buckingham Palace staff, ensuring that their page remains a legitimate representation of their ongoing work. The royal family's approach to managing their digital presence is evolving, with a move towards personalized storytelling and advocacy, rather than uniformity.
Conclusion
Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to follow and unfollow certain Instagram accounts is more than just a social media strategy. It is a reflection of their commitment to their causes, specifically mental health awareness. Their actions are part of a larger trend of individual royal members taking control of their personal narratives and contributing to society in unique ways.
As the royal family continues to adapt to the digital age, their use of social media will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping their image and impact. Whether one views it as strategic or attention-seeking, the decisions made by these members of the royal family are part of a broader dialogue about mental health and the sometimes controversial nature of social media in royal circles.