Meghan Markle Opens Up About How She Became Guest Editor of British Vogue: ‘I asked’

Meghan Markle has been laying low ever since she gave birth to her first child, Archie Harrison, back in May. Prince Harry, on the other hand, has continued his royal duties with hardly any pause in between except for the two days he spent with his son just after the birth. But behind the scenes, Meghan has been doing more than we realized. It turns out she was working on a major project with British Vogue as the guest editor. Here’s how it unfolded.

Meghan has spent time away from the spotlight since Archie’s birth

Meghan made her last public appearance before Archie’s birth back in March — the baby was born in early May. But since March, Meghan has retreated from the spotlight a bit to focus on raising her son. She and Prince Harry decided they would raise Archie as a private citizen, and they’ve been doing their best to keep him away from the public eye. Meghan has made few royal appearances since giving birth, which is unusual for the family. However, she was working on something very important behind the scenes: British Vogue’s September issue. Production started in January, and it kept Meghan very busy during the tail-end of her pregnancy.

Meghan and British Vogue just released the cover of Vogue’s September issue

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We are proud to announce that Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex is the Guest Editor for the September issue of @BritishVogue. For the past seven months, The Duchess has curated the content with British Vogue's Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful to create an issue that highlights the power of the collective. They have named the issue: “Forces for Change” 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. The women on the cover include: @AdwoaAboah @AdutAkech @SomaliBoxer @JacindaArdern @TheSineadBurke @Gemma_Chan @LaverneCox @JaneFonda @SalmaHayek @FrankieGoesToHayward @JameelaJamilOfficial @Chimamanda_Adichie @YaraShahidi @GretaThunberg @CTurlington We are excited to announce that 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 Brené Brown, Jameela Jamil and many others. Equally, you’ll find grassroots organisations and incredible trailblazers working tirelessly behind the scenes to change the world for the better. • “Guest Editing the September issue of British Vogue has 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.” – The Duchess of Sussex #ForcesForChange

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jul 28, 2019 at 2:26pm PDT

Earlier this week, British Vogue released the cover of its September issue and announced that Meghan Markle had guest-edited the magazine alongside editor in chief Edward Enninful. Meghan is the magazine’s first guest editor in its 103-year history, and the Vogue September issue has been largely recognized as the most important issue of the year in the fashion world. This September the magazine highlights 15 women who are breaking barriers and changing norms, including Michelle Obama and Jane Goodall.

The duchess was originally invited to be on the cover — but wanted to do more

The duchess was approached by Enninful and asked to be on the cover of the September issue. However, Meghan had another idea. “I asked the question,” she wrote in a candid letter about her time with the magazine, according to People. “Edward… Instead of doing the cover, would you be open to me guest editing your September issue?” Edward was elated at the idea, and the two started work on it right away. Now, months later, the project has seen completion, and it is likely the magazine’s most anticipated issue ever.

The issue may help boost Meghan’s reputation among the British public

Though the issue itself hasn’t been released yet, the cover and the revealing of the duchess’ hand in it has sparked major conversation. It’s possible that this could be the best thing to happen to Meghan since marrying Prince Harry. It’s not because the duchess needs any more publicity, but rather Vogue is a highly regarded magazine, and the duchess’ guest appearance may help boost her reputation among the British public. While she is loved in the United States (for the most part), some have had a hard time accepting her in the U.K. She will have, undoubtedly, left her mark on the September issue, but hopefully this unique project will help give her a boost among the people she serves.