How Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Are ‘Cutting Out The Mainstream Press’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle haven’t made their disdain for the media a secret. They are in the midst of multiple legal disagreements with the press, and now sources are saying that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a plan for making sure the reporters don’t get the scoop anymore.

“For them, the future is Instagram over the press,” a source told Vanity Fair. “They are reaching a global audience that’s more than the broadsheets and tabloids combined, and crucially presenting themselves the way they want to. As far as Harry is concerned, it’s a way of cutting out the mainstream press, which is very convenient because he basically hates the press.”

On Instagram, The Sussex Royal account, created earlier this year, features 9.6 million followers. (Prince William and Kate Middleton hit the 10 million-follower mark first.) Royal reporter Katie Nicholl reveals that they’ve hired 26-year-old David Watkins as their social media manager. The Sussexes even hire their own photographers for many engagements, and they’re even trying to get the jump on breaking stories.

During their tour of South Africa, the press were told that baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor would meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu. However, they were under a strict embargo not to reveal it until a certain time. Meghan and Harry broke the news themselves on Instagram, irritating reporters. Hiring their own photographers reportedly makes the longtime royal photogs feel “redundant” as well.

“At the root of all this is their plan to shake things up,” the source added. “Harry is not afraid to take the media on. He feels like he has nothing to lose.”

It does seem to be working to their advantage, though. The meeting with Archie and the Archbishop was covered very positively, and Meghan and Harry know fans are keeping a close eye on their account. That’s why they’ve decided to take very strategic steps.

The Sussexes decided to change their followed accounts every month to highlight organizations they support. October’s theme is “community,” and followed accounts include WildCare (conservation), The Junior League (female empowerment) and Border Kindness (refugee support).

One aspect of social media Meghan and Harry don’t engage with? The fans. Though Meghan and Harry are releasing photos and videos to fans on Instagram, they aren’t engaging with them directly online. Don’t expect to see the Sussex Royal handle having conversations with followers in the comments.

In fact, after rampant criticism for using private planes, the account temporarily disabled comments completely. Comments have since been turned back on and are generally moderated by someone on the royal team.