Meghan Markle just broke the internet—again. On Friday, January 16, 2026, the Duchess of Sussex decided to participate in the viral "2016 vs. 2026" trend, and honestly, the timing couldn't be more calculated or sweet. She didn't just post a grainy selfie from her Suits days. Instead, she dropped a bombshell of a carousel on her official Instagram, @meghan, featuring a never-before-seen look at her private life in Montecito.
The highlight? A black-and-white video of her and Prince Harry dancing barefoot on their lawn. But here’s the kicker: the person behind the camera was none other than their four-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet.
What Really Happened in the Meghan Markle Shared a New Video on Instagram Post
The post is basically a masterclass in nostalgic branding. It starts with a throwback photo from August 2016. In it, a younger Meghan and Harry are seen hugging during their legendary third date in Botswana. You know the one—the camping trip where Harry said he knew she was his soulmate. They’re standing in water, looking like two people who have no idea their lives are about to become the most talked-about story on the planet.
Then, you swipe.
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The second slide is a grainy, intimate video of the couple in 2026. They are twirling in a field, laughing, and eventually sharing a kiss. It feels raw. It’s a stark contrast to the highly produced Netflix specials we’ve seen in the past. Meghan captioned the post: “When 2026 feels just like 2016… you had to be there. 🎥 cred: our daughter.”
Why This Specific Video Matters Right Now
People are losing it over the "camera credit." By mentioning Lilibet, Meghan is subtly shifting the narrative from "former royals" to "private family." It’s a clever move. Recently, the couple has been under fire for rebranding their charitable arm and dealing with staff departures, including their PR chief Meredith Maines. This video acts as a soft reset.
Experts like Cat Warner from YMU have noted that Meghan's social media strategy is leaning heavily into "soft living" and "understated luxury." This isn't about being a Duchess. It’s about being a "female founder" who happens to have a very famous husband and a daughter who can apparently hold a smartphone steady.
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The Breakdown of the Post
- The Trend: The 2016 throwback movement is huge on TikTok and Instagram right now, celebrating the "mid-2010s" as a golden era.
- The Aesthetic: Muted tones, black-and-white filters, and casual clothing (Meghan was spotted in a simple white tennis skirt).
- The Soundtrack: The video was set to "So Easy (To Fall In Love)" by Olivia Dean.
- The Message: It’s a direct response to the "divorce rumors" that have plagued the couple for months. You can't really fake that kind of chemistry on a lawn.
A Pivot to "As Ever" and Lifestyle Branding
We can't ignore that this post comes just days after Meghan launched a new product for her lifestyle brand, As Ever. On January 13, she released a $18 leather bookmark with her own calligraphy that says "Fell asleep here." It sold out in hours.
She’s basically building a "Montecito Universe." By sharing these intimate videos, she keeps her 4.2 million followers engaged so that when she drops a new "Moment to Unwind" tea set or a jar of sage honey, the audience is already primed. It’s the "Gwyneth Paltrow" playbook, but with a royal twist.
Critics, like some royal commentators in the UK, call it a "doom loop" of constant rebranding. They argue that she’s moving away from serious philanthropy into the world of "influencer grift." But if you look at the engagement numbers, the public clearly wants the personal content. The video already has hundreds of thousands of likes and a flurry of supportive comments on X (formerly Twitter), even though she keeps the Instagram comments turned off.
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The Reality of the "Lili Filmed This" Claim
Social media is skeptical. Some users have pointed out the camera angle, joking that four-year-old Lilibet must have grown six feet tall overnight to get that specific shot. Whether she actually held the phone or just "helped," the sentiment remains the same: the Sussexes are leaning into their roles as parents above all else.
This isn't just about a cute dance. It’s a signal that Harry and Meghan are "locked in," as one fan put it. Following a year of professional shifts and legal battles in the UK, this video is their way of saying they are still standing, still dancing, and still very much in control of their own story.
Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers
If you’re following the Duchess's next moves, keep an eye on the @meghan account for more "behind-the-scenes" family snippets. This marks a clear departure from the formal Archewell updates. To stay ahead of the curve, you can:
- Monitor the "As Ever" store: Product drops usually follow these high-engagement personal posts.
- Watch the Netflix pipeline: Rumors of a third season of With Love, Meghan are swirling, and this video might be a teaser for a more "vlog-style" approach to her content.
- Check the UK travel updates: With Prince Harry reportedly regaining armed security in the UK this month, these family-centric posts could be laying the groundwork for a more public return of Archie and Lilibet to the global stage.
The "2016 vs. 2026" post proves one thing: Meghan Markle knows exactly how to use a decade of history to keep the world watching her next ten years.