Sussex Squad Turns on Meghan: Duchess’s ‘Biggest Fan’ Unfollows Her on Instagram After Branding Her ‘Unappreciative’ — and It’s Not the First Loyal Supporter She’s Burned
For years, Meghan Markle’s most loyal fans — the passionate Sussex Squad — have been her fiercest defenders, rallying online to support the Duchess of Sussex against critics and the relentless tabloid press. But now, even that once-unshakeable base is showing cracks.
This week, one of Meghan’s most devoted followers, who had often described themselves as her “biggest fan,” shocked royal watchers by publicly unfollowing her on Instagram. The reason? They accused the duchess of being “unappreciative” of those who’ve tirelessly promoted her causes and protected her reputation online.
In a since-deleted post, the fan lashed out: “We’ve stood by Meghan through the worst of times. But it feels like she doesn’t even acknowledge us. We gave so much, and got nothing back. Enough is enough.”
The move quickly lit up social media. Supporters and critics alike debated whether Meghan owes her online fan base recognition for their unwavering loyalty. Some said it was unfair to expect personal acknowledgment from a public figure, while others argued that the duchess risks alienating those who have essentially acted as her digital shield for years.
Not the First Time
This isn’t the first instance of Meghan losing high-profile backers within her fandom. Last year, another well-known Sussex Squad account deactivated multiple Meghan-dedicated profiles, citing exhaustion and a lack of appreciation. Royal insiders say the pattern is beginning to raise eyebrows — especially since Meghan and Prince Harry continue to cultivate a highly controlled public image through Archewell projects, official statements, and carefully managed appearances.
Critics argue that by keeping such tight boundaries, Meghan may be unintentionally pushing away the very grassroots support that helped her brand flourish after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
A Complicated Relationship with Social Media
The couple’s strained relationship with social media isn’t new. Meghan and Harry famously abandoned their @SussexRoyal Instagram account after leaving their senior royal roles, and they’ve since avoided direct interaction with fan-driven accounts. While this has allowed them to control their narrative, it has also distanced them from the online communities that once championed them.
Royal commentators are divided on how damaging this latest fallout could be. “The Sussex Squad has been a massive force in shaping Meghan’s public image,” said one analyst. “Losing even a portion of that support could weaken her digital influence.” Others believe Meghan remains too big a figure to be derailed by a few disillusioned fans, noting that she still commands a powerful global following.
A Warning Sign?
Still, the symbolism of this unfollowing is hard to ignore. For someone once hailed as Meghan’s “biggest fan” to walk away in such a public fashion highlights the risks of being seen as distant or ungrateful.
For Meghan, who has built her post-royal identity on authenticity, empowerment, and relatability, alienating her most passionate supporters may prove to be a costly misstep. And with the cracks in the Sussex Squad beginning to show, the duchess could find herself facing not just critics from the outside — but discontent from within her own ranks.
