This week British Vogue won the Professional Publishers Association (PPA Diversity Award. This award was for the September issue of 2019 which was guest edited by HRH Duchess of Sussex the former Meghan Markle. Meghan Markle the self made millionaire owned a lifestyle brand with millions of followers so she knew exactly how to produce a groundbreaking publication. It wasn’t just about making the September issue; it was about sales as well. It was clear from the get go that while magazines and newspapers were shutting down Meghan’s Vogue was selling out. Duchess Meghan had the pulse on the modern woman, the aspirational girl next door.

These last seven months have been a rewarding process, curating and collaborating with Edward Enninful, British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, to take the year’s most-read fashion issue and steer its focus to the values, causes and people making impact in the world today. Through this lens I hope you’ll feel the strength of the collective in the diverse selection of women chosen for the cover as well as the team of support I called upon within the issue to help bring this to light. I hope readers feel as inspired as I do, by the ‘Forces for Change’ they’ll find with”in these pages.

HRH Duchess of Sussex

Leadership is about influence. Influence is about Celebrating diversity , togetherness, collaboration and community and making a global impact. The Duchess of Sussex has won the hearts; minds and respect of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at large.

Forces for change offered empowerment,  while dumpster divers wanted Meghan on the cover like royals before her. On the other hand Meghan Markle wanted to amplify voices of emerging leaders. This was not what royals do, but Duchess Meghan wanted to create more leaders. The Vogue September 2019 Forces for Change edition sought to create an egalitarian society reflecting the world as it should be. Greatness comes from different parts of the world and from different levels of society.

Brexit party and Conservatives UKIP made it clear that Brexit was a revival of British empire . They advocated for the colonial legacy and the exclusion of others . Duchess of Sussex Meghan offers inclusion and the idea that Commonwealth voices matter.

Meghan & Harry are true global leaders.  Duchess Meghan won hearts of Commonwealth through her inclusive leadership. Members of Commonwealth see themselves in Harry and Meghan. Their responsive hand on approach makes them relatable.

The #ForcesforChange was a groundbreaking,  thought provoking fashion magazine. It created a movement of people who make things happen; people who are active in their communities.  Women who do not wait for things to happen to them but create and become the change they wish to see in the world.

The #ForcesForChange edition of British Vogue was the fastest selling issue in its over 100 year history sold out in 10 days.

The #ForcesForChange edition of British Vogue best selling issue of the decade

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. “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.

Edward Enniful British Vogue Editor in Chief

The Duchess of Sussex has set the standard very high. She raised the bar in the royal family. going forth other royals who decide to copy Meghan will have show us the results. They will have to show their impact on society not via propaganda but verifiable facts like sales.