Meghan Markle guest-edited the September issue of British Vogue, and her one “demand” for the cover is empowering

On Sunday, July 28th, Meghan Markle announced she guest-edited the upcoming September issue of British Vogue. She shared a photo of the cover on Instagram and revealed that the name of the issue is “Forces for Change.” It features 15 women who are “raising the bar for equality, kindness, justice, and open-mindedness.” However, the Duchess of Sussex does not appear on the cover. Instead, she “chose a diverse selection of women from all walks of life.”
You’ll definitely recognize many familiar faces, including Jane Fonda, Laverne Cox, Salma Hayek, Jameela Jamil, Christy Turlington, and Yara Shahidi. The best part? One of the spots in the photo grid contains a mirror. Anyone who holds up the magazine to their face can also be part of the inspiring collective.
"Guest Editing the September issue of British Vogue has been rewarding, educational and inspiring," Markle wrote on Instagram. "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."
Markle is the first guest-editor of the coveted September issue in the magazine’s history.
Her duties included selecting the cover stars and conducting interviews, which includes a conversation between Markle and former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. Markle also chose photographer Peter Lindbergh to shoot the cover, and he revealed that she only had one demand: show freckles. It’s no surprise that Markle wanted to see them on the cover; she’s made it a point to embrace her freckles during numerous royal events, including her royal wedding to Prince Harry.
“My instructions from the Duchess were clear: ‘I want to see freckles!’ Lindbergh told British Vogue, noting her vision was exactly in line with his. "That was like running through open doors for me. I love freckles."
On Monday, July 29th, the royal account also shared a video of several cover stars during their photoshoot.
Unfortunately, the duchess is being accused of stealing the September issue cover idea.
Samantha Brett and Steph Adams, authors of a book of essays called The Game Changers (which includes a personal essay penned by Markle), were quick to point out that the British Vogue cover looks similar to theirs.
"It's obviously very flattering, she obviously likes our concept!" Brett told The Daily Mail. "I love Meghan and am a huge fan, but if what people are alerting us to is true, then it's extremely disappointing."
Though we can agree the covers are alike, it’s unfair to say Markle’s edition ripped off the book completely. And Markle’s British Vogue cover has a mirror on it, which is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
Meghan’s September issue hits newsstands on Friday, August 2nd.