Royal Family Reportedly Avoids TikTok Amid Security Concerns, Focusing on Alternative Platforms for Youth Reach
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, recently made headlines as the first member of the royal family to join TikTok. Posting under the handle Sarah the Duchess (Fergie), her inaugural video touched on her breast cancer journey, an emotional reveal that has resonated with audiences. This debut on TikTok is notable as it comes nearly a year after Sarah, 65, returned to royal events, attending Christmas at Sandringham with her ex-husband, Prince Andrew.
Although the Duchess has taken this leap into social media, other royals are reportedly holding back. According to The Mail, TikTok’s Chinese ownership and its 2022 ban on government devices over security concerns have led the Royal Family to avoid the platform. As Head of State, King Charles adheres to government guidelines, making it unlikely Buckingham Palace will adopt TikTok without a policy change. Kensington Palace staff have also opted against TikTok, following suit and maintaining a cautious stance.
While the royal household prioritizes connecting with younger generations—often inviting TikTok influencers to events for greater outreach—they continue to engage on American-owned social platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. Notably, the Prince and Princess of Wales have a robust presence, boasting 16.8 million followers on Instagram alone, with the main Royal Family account close behind at 13.3 million.
The Duchess of York’s entry onto TikTok reflects her unique position; as a non-working royal, she is not bound by the same restrictions as other family members. Her spokesperson explained that Sarah’s goal is “connecting with the next generation and amplifying their voices,” acknowledging TikTok as a primary platform for younger people and a meaningful way to reach them.
Before launching her TikTok account, the Duchess sought advice from her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Aware of digital safety concerns, Sarah’s team enlisted the cybersecurity firm CYPFER to ensure her online protection.
For Sarah Ferguson, TikTok is not just a platform but a tool to share her personal journey and bridge generational divides. Her decision to join reflects her dedication to fostering meaningful connections with a younger audience, even as the rest of the Royal Family remains cautious.