Following the announcement that the Duchess of Sussex has guest edited the September issue of British Vogue, it’s now been revealed why she chose not to grace the cover of the iconic style magazine like the Duchess of Cambridge and Diana, Princess of Wales, have done before her.
As Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue Edward Enninful reveals, they had indeed discussed the possibility of the new mother appearing on the cover, however Meghan declined, reports Entertainment Tonight.
“From the very beginning, we talked about the cover – whether she would be on it or not,” Edward reveals.
“In the end, she felt that it would be in some ways a ‘boastful’ thing to do with this particular project.
“She wanted, instead, to focus on the women she admires.”
This behind-the-scenes photo was released to coincide with the announcement that Meghan has guest edited British Vogue. (Image: Sussex Royal)
And she has done just that, with the cover featuring 15 change-making women photographed in black and white, with a 16th tile featuring a mirror foil – to reflect the reader.
Explaining the cover in an Instagram post to the Sussex Royal account it is written: “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 cover features the likes of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Swedish student and climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg, actor and campaigner Jane Fonda, Somali boxer Ramla Ali and transgender actor and LGBTQI+ campaigner Laverne Fox.
“Within the issue you’ll find: an exclusive interview between The Duchess and former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, a candid conversation between The Duke of Sussex and Dr Jane Goodall, inspirational articles written by Brene Brown, Jameela Jamil and many others,” the post continues.
“Equally, you’ll find grassroots organisations and incredible trailblazers working tirelessly behind the scenes to change the world for the better.”
Speaking of her experience guest editing the issue, which will go on sale August 2nd, Meghan said it has been “rewarding, educational and inspiring.”
Adding: “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.”
“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,” Edward said of the issue.
“As you will see from her selections throughout the magazine, she is also willing to wade into more complex and nuanced areas, whether they concern female empowerment, mental health, race or privilege.
“From activists to artists, politicians to performers, poets to provocateurs, British Vogue and HRH The Duchess of Sussex have chosen women from the frontline of fashion, film, tech, wellness and beyond to celebrate a special moment in time, calling it Forces for Change.”
Meghan at the British Fashion Awards in 2018. (Image: Getty)
Duchess Meghan isn’t the first royal to guest edit a magazine. In 2018 to mark his 70th birthday, Prince Charles guest edited the November issue of British weekly magazine Country Life where he spoke at length about issues like the destruction of wildlife and need for conservation.
He also revealed a heap of hilarious anecdotes about his personal life such as a dish he’s coined ‘Groussaka’, a moussaka (traditionally made with lamb) which he replaces with his favourite bird, grouse.
Similarly Meghan’s sister-in-law Duchess Catherine has also been involved with British Vogue, gracing the cover of the publications centenary issue in 2016, which also featured a beautiful 10-page spread within the magazine.
Princess Diana also featured on the cover three times throughout her lifetime and appeared on the 1997 October issue to honour her, following her tragic passing.
