The Duchess of Sussex's tenure as guest editor of British Vogue's September 2019 issue, far from being a simple fashion spread, was a carefully orchestrated manifesto that knowingly broke with centuries of royal tradition, a Daily Mail investigation can reveal.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the corridors of Buckingham Palace, Meghan Markle made the conscious decision to snub Queen Elizabeth II, opting not to feature Her Majesty on the cover of the influential 'Forces for Change' issue. This deliberate omission defied an unspoken royal rule and marked a significant departure from established protocol.
The Cover That Broke The Rules
Instead of showcasing the Monarch, a honour traditionally extended for such prestigious projects, the Duchess curated a grid of 15 women she deemed 'trailblazers'. While these figures were undoubtedly influential in their respective fields, the absence of the UK's longest-reigning sovereign was a glaring and calculated statement.
Palace insiders at the time reported a sense of 'bewilderment and frustration' amongst the Queen's senior aides. The decision was viewed not as a simple editorial choice, but as a public disregard for the institution the Duchess had recently joined.
A Deeper Agenda: The 'Manifesto' Within
Beyond the controversial cover, the magazine's contents read as a personal manifesto for the Duchess. It was a platform used to champion her specific political and social causes, a territory senior royals typically navigate with immense caution to maintain political neutrality.
The issue included:
- An interview with former US First Lady Michelle Obama.
- A candid conversation with husband Prince Harry.
- A feature on 'the future of fashion' from Professor Clare Edwards.
- A piece on mental health by journalist Bryony Gordon.
Each element, while advocating for positive change, was seen as a step away from the apolitical, diplomatic stance expected of working members of The Firm.
Palace Relations And The Aftermath
The Vogue project, undertaken without full consultation of the Queen's communications team, is now cited by royal commentators as a key moment in the widening rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. It exemplified a 'go-it-alone' strategy that prioritised personal brand management over royal cohesion and duty.
This incident foreshadowed the eventual decision by Harry and Meghan to step back from their senior roles, a move that shook the monarchy to its core. The Vogue manifesto, therefore, stands as a permanent public record of the ideological clash that would ultimately redefine their place within the institution.
