For the fifth year in a row, TIME have rounded up who they believe are the 25 most influential people on the Internet this year, and making the list for 2019 is none other than the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The list, which is unranked, evaluates the contenders’ global impact on social media and their ability to drive news and with those criteria in mind it’s no surprise that Harry and Meghan have made the list.
Despite only being on Instagram for three months, the royal couple have already broken records. (Image: Getty)
Despite only launching their official Instagram in April this year, following their split from the Kensington Palace household, it was evident from the get-go that their influence was quite literally, record-breaking.
Just hours after launching their official Instagram account @SussexRoyal, the couple broke the Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest time to gain one million followers’ on Instagram.
It took just five hours and 45 minutes for @SussexRoyal to reach one million followers – they now sit at 9.1 million – almost six hours faster than previous record holder K-Pop star Kang Daniel’s 11 hour 36 minute record.
Explaining the royal couple’s inclusion in the list, TIME‘s writer Raisa Bruner pens: “While baby photos are among @SussexRoyal’s draws, most posts are dedicated to the pair’s work as royals.
“Each month, in an effort to highlight advocates and organisations focusing on issues such as climate change and mental health awareness, the account rotates the users it follows – a savvy strategy that has driven headlines.
“The Sussexes’ forward-thinking, cause-orientated approach to social media fits neatly with other ways they are establishing their identity beyond the crown,” Raisa continues.
“In June, the palace confirmed that the couple will be departing the Royal Foundation, which was started by Prince Harry and Prince William in 2009, to launch their own, separate charitable organisation.”
The royal couple join a diverse list which includes the likes of popstar Ariana Grande, US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, actress Jameela Jamil and South Korean boyband BTS.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s inclusion on the list comes as no surprise, particularly after Meghan was shortlisted in the same magazine’s 2018 ‘Person of The Year’ list and revealed to be the most Googled woman in England last year.
With just three months under their belt under the SussexRoyal handle, we look forward to seeing them continue their work in raising awareness and funds for important causes and issues and, of course, we’re partial to a few photos of Archie thrown in for good measure.
