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Not so long ago, TikTok was a marginal video app for teenagers dancing in their bedrooms.
Now it has more than one billion users from presidents to painters – with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, being the latest addition.
Last week she joined the platform under the name ‘Sarah the Duchess (Fergie)’ and posted an emotional video reflecting on her breast cancer journey.
It is the closest TikTok has crept to royalty – with the Duchess, divorced from Prince Andrew, recently having been accepted back in the royal fold.
Yet despite this historic first, I understand the Royal Family will not be following suit.
TikTok, which is Chinese-owned, was banned on government phones last year over security fears.
Sarah Ferguson’s first post on TikTok explaining how it felt being diagnosed with breast cancer
The Duchess is passionate about connecting with the next generation and feels TikTok is the best way to do this
At the beginning of this year Fergie posted about getting cancer for a second time after her breast cancer diagnosis in the summer where she underwent a mastectomy
King Charles, as head of state, acts on government advice – so unless the government revises its opinion Buckingham Palace will not be posting any time soon.
Aides at Kensington Palace have taken a similar view.
That does not mean TikTok’s global takeover has escaped royal notice.
The Royal Family are keen to engage with young people and have invited TikTok influencers, among other social media stars, to events so they can post about it to their followers.
In the meantime, both Buckingham and Kensington Palace are increasingly active on American-owned platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have 16.8million followers on Instagram alone, while the main Royal Family account has 13.3million.
But the Duchess of York is not a formal member of the Royal Family nor a working royal, so is not bound by the same constraints.
Her spokesman said she joined TikTok because ‘she’s passionate about connecting with the next generation and amplifying their voices’.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have 16.8million followers on Instagram alone but will not be posting on TikTok any time soon
Sarah with daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie at The Anti-Slavery Collective’s inaugural Winter Gala at Battersea Arts Centre in 2023
Sarah Ferguson when she appeared on ‘Loose Women’ and revealed her battle with cancer in November 2023
Sarah, Duchess of York, who is to be made a patron of charity Prevent Breast Cancer, during a visit to the Prevent Breast Cancer headquarters at the Nightingale Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, in Manchester
The spokesman added: ‘The Duchess is aware that TikTok is the main means of communication for many younger people so wanted to be a part of it.’
The Duchess also spoke to her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, before signing up.
Her team are aware of digital safety concerns around the app – but say she has deployed cybersecurity firm CYPFER to protect her online.
Does Fergie think King Charles should be on TikTok too?
Alas, her spokesman insists the Duchess would never comment on what the monarch should or shouldn’t do.
While TikTok stars come in all shapes and sizes, it appears Royal Family are not the right fit. For now.
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