Fashion and beauty lovers know that the September issues of major fashion magazines are the most important ones of the year. They set the tone for the editorial and aesthetic direction the magazine will take for the rest of the season and generally pull out all the stops to make it an edition to remember. This year, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is the guest editor for British Vogue, ringing in what has truly been a banner year for the former American actress. 

The theme of the issue is “Forces for Change” and includes a diverse set of women from a wide array of professions that promote equality, justice, and inclusivity. It includes people such as Jacinda Ardern, Gemma Chan, Sinead Burke, Salma Hayek, Laverne Cox, Greta Thunberg and more. The Duchess of Sussex worked closely to curate content with British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, Edward Enninful in an effort to highlight the potential of a group of powerful women. The issue includes an interview between Meghan Markle and Michelle Obama and a conversation between Prince Harry and Dr. Jane Goodall, among other inspiring articles. 

Beauty lovers will note that all the women featured in this September issue have a fresh, natural look about them. It will come as no surprise that Meghan Markle had her hand in every detail down to the photography and makeup. In an interview with Vogue, photographer Peter Lindberg states that Meghan insisted, “”I want to see freckles!’ Well, that was like running through open doors for me. I love freckles.”

For the most part, the announcement that the Duchess of Sussex was guest editing such a major magazine was met with excitement. But it’s no secret that Meghan has had to deal with an enormous amount of negative press, and frankly, naked racism, since her relationship with Prince Harry began. Convervative British pundits jumped on the opportunity to strengthen their claims that Meghan is “too Hollywood” and that guest editing a magazine was inappropriate for a member of the royal family. Nevermind the fact that Prince Charles, Prince William, and Duchess Catherine have all guest edited magazines or websites at one point. There will always be people who cannot handle the fact that a bi-racial woman has been given such an enormous platform. It seems that no matter what Meghan Markle does, she will never win in the eyes of people who are bitter that they didn’t get another English rose in the royal family. 

Despite this intense pressure and negativity, Meghan Markle has maintained her focus on the issues that matter to her. In an Instagram post announcing the collaboration, she states, 

“Guest editing the September issue of British Vogue has been so 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.”