Prince Harry and Meghan Markle launch Instagram account @sussexroyal

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have launched their own Instagram account in a move that further distances the couple from Kensington Palace and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"Welcome to our official Instagram; we look forward to sharing the work that drives us, the causes we support, important announcements, and the opportunity to shine a light on key issues," the post reads.

"We thank you for your support, and welcome you to @sussexroyal."

The official account for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex , sussexroyal, will be used to share their work and for "important announcements."

The account already has 1.5 million followers, with its first post including images of Meghan and Harry.

It comes as the royal couple, who are expecting their first child this month, split their household office from that of Prince William and Kate.

Meghan and Harry's PR and support team will be based at Buckingham Palace from this spring.

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Meghan's best friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney was one of the first celebrities to follow the new royal account. Fellow actress Priyanka Chopra, Prince Harry's friend David Beckham also followed the sussexroyal account.

Other famous stars who have chosen to follow Harry and Meghan's new account. Include, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kelly Brook, Made in Chelsea's Ollie Locke and billionaire Richard Branson's daughter Holly Branson. Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins, Loose Women panellist Saira Khan and actress Emma Roberts, the niece of Julia Roberts, have also followed the account.

A black and white version of this picture, from the launch of a charity cookbook for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, was posted on their account

Another picture shared was this image from visit to Fraser Island, Australia, last October

My view: It is good to see Meghan back on Instagram alongside her husband Harry. Have fun, as we wait for the cute pictures of your baby.

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