Just 18 months after featuring in the glossy pages of US Vogue, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is making a comeback, this time being featured on the cover of British Vogue’s prestigious September issue.
In her feature in the American edition of the fashion and lifestyle magazine she was described as “young, forward-looking and unabashedly liberal – the Anti-Trump,” and it marked the first time a New Zealand leader has ever been featured in the publication.
Her inclusion on the cover of British Vogue‘s September issue marks the most prestigious issue of the year and has been guest edited by none other than Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who has curated the content with British Vogue‘s Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful over the past seven months.
PM Jacinda Ardern and Duchess Meghan in Auckland last year. (Image: Getty)
The issue, which is set to highlight the power of the collective has been named “Forces for Change”, as announced in a new post by the official Sussex Royal Instagram page and features a picture of the upcoming cover.
“We are proud to announce that Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex is the Guest Editor for the September issue of @BritishVogue,” begins the caption.
“For the cover, The Duchess chose a diverse selection of women from all walks of life, each driving impact and raising the bar for equality, kindness, justice and open mindedness.
“The sixteenth space on the cover, a mirror, was included so that when you hold the issue in your hands, you see yourself as part of this collective.”
PM Jacinda Ardern features alongside 14 other significant women from across the world which includes the likes of Greta Thunberg, the 15-year-old Swedish climate change activist; Adwoa Aboah, a model, activist and founder of Gurls Talk; Ramli Ali, a Somalian boxer and global athlete for Nike; Laverne Fox, a transgender actor and campaigner and actor Jane Fonda.
Within the issue will include an exclusive interview between Duchess Meghan and former Firsy Lady of the US Michelle Obama, a candid conversation between Prince Harry and Dr Jane Goodall along with articles written by Brene Brown and actor and body positivity advocate Jameela Jamil just to name a few.
“Equally you’ll find grassroots organisations and incredible trailblazers working tirelessly behind the scenes to change the world for the better,” add Sussex Royal.
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Speaking about her experience guest editing the September issue of British Vogue, Duchess Meghan said it’s been “rewarding, educational and inspiring.”
“To deep dive into this process, working quietly behind the scenes for so many months, I am happy to now be able to share what we have created.”
“A huge thanks to all of the friends who supported me in this endeavour, lending their time and energy to help within these pages and on the cover. Thank you for saying “Yes!” – and to Edward, thank you for this wonderful opportunity.”
Editor-in-Chief Edward Enniful also spoke of the process saying: “To have the country’s most influential beacon of change guest edit British Vogue at this time has been an honour, a pleasure and a wonderful surprise,” Town & Country Magazine reports.
“As you will see from her selections throughout this magazine, she is also willing to wade into more complex and nuanced areas, whether they concern female empowerment, mental health, race or privilege.”
A behind-the-scenes photo of Meghan, featured in the issue was released at the same time as the announcement she guest edited the issue. (Image: Sussex Royal)
Rumours that the Duchess of Sussex would be guest editing the British edition of Vogue emerged in June, with a source telling Us Weekly: “Meghan will be writing an opinion piece of her own as well as bringing a selection of female change-markers on board to write their own personal essays.”
Earlier this year speculation that the Duchess might grace the covers of the fashion bible began circulating after editor-in-chief Edward Enninful revealed in an interview with The Evening Standard that he’d love to see the royal grace the cover of the publication.
“I am so into the young royals,” he told the newspaper at the time.
“Meghan is an example of how far we’ve all come.”
When asked who he thought dressed the best between the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge, he responded diplomatically: “They are different, it’s all fun and games. I’d love them both to be on the cover of Vogue.”
While only time will tell whether the two Duchesses will grace the cover anytime soon, for now we have Meghan’s involvement in the September issue to look forward to.
