The Duchess of Sussex has said she wanted the issue of Vogue that she guest edited to ‘reflect the world as we see it – beautiful and strong in its diversity’.
British Vogue’s ‘Forces for Change’ edition which was guest-edited by Meghan Markle, 38, won the Diversity Initiative of the Year at the Professional Publishers Association (PPA) Awards yesterday.
The edition – which featured women including model Adwoa Aboah, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, actresses Gemma Chan, Laverne Cox, Jane Fonda, Salma Hayek Pinault and Yara Shahidi, activist Greta Thunberg and author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on the cover – was the fastest selling issue in the magazine’s 104-year history, selling out in less then 10 days.
The Duchess, who is currently living in Tyler Perry’s $18 million mansion having stepped back from royal duty in March, has reacted to the win, saying: ‘I’m honoured to have this very special issue recognised.
Meghan Markle, 38, has reacted to the her Forces for Change issue of Vogue winning a Diversity Initiative Award, saying she ‘wanted it to reflect the world as we see it – beautiful and strong in its diversity’
‘Creating Forces for Change with Edward was an opportunity to have the September issue of Vogue reflect the world as we see it – beautiful and strong in its diversity.
‘Huge congratulations to Edward who helped bring this to light, and for his additional honour of being awarded best editor by PPA.’
Edward Enninful, the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, 47, and the Duchess collaborated on September’s special ‘Forces for Change’ edition, which featured a grid of 15 ‘incredible’ women on the cover with articles commissioned by the royal inside.
Edward revealed: ‘I’m truly honoured that British Vogue’s September issue, guest edited by the inimitable Duchess of Sussex, has won the diversity initiative of the year award.
The cover of British Vogue’s September issue, entitled ‘Forces for Change’, showing photographs by Peter Lindbergh, which is guest edited by Britain’s Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
‘Together we will continue to challenge the cultural conversation, champion inclusivity, and be a proactive part of the change needed in the world.
‘Many thanks to Meghan and my amazing team, the best an editor could ask for.’
And Edward took to Instagram to express how he was ‘truly humbled’ to win best Consumer Editor award.
Taking to Instagram, Edward Enninful penned: ‘I’m truly humbled to have been awarded Consumer Editor of the Year at the PPA awards.’
‘I’m also thrilled to say that British Vogue’s September 2019 issue – guest-edited by the inimitable Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex– has won Diversity Initiative of the Year.
Meghan’s role as guest editor was one of the most radical in Vogue’s 100 year history, with the September issue the most important edition of the year (pictured, the Duchess at her last official royal engagement in March)
Many thanks to my amazing team, the best an editor could ask for. Here’s to more successes!’
Earlier last year, it was announced the September issue of the magazine sold out in 10 days and was the biggest selling issue of the past decade.
Meghan selected 15 ‘trailblazers’ and ‘changemakers’ to appear on her front cover.
The line-up of women she admires included celebrities, politicians and activists known for championing issues such as diversity, body positivity, transgender rights and climate change.
And Edward previously spoke of the success of the issue, branding the Duchess of Sussex’s Forces For Change initiative ‘not a moment, but a movement.’
He described the response to the September edition, which was released on August 2, as ‘phenomenal,’ before declaring the idea would be continued in every issue.
Meghan’s role as guest editor represents one of the most radical moves in Vogue’s 100-year history, with the magazine saying it considers the new September issue to be its most important edition of its year.