Buckingham Palace has been thrust into the centre of a fresh controversy following astonishing claims that aides actively blocked the Duchess of Sussex from collaborating again with British Vogue's then-editor, Edward Enninful.
The revelation, which lays bare the deepening divisions within the Royal Family, suggests that while Meghan was barred from the prestigious project, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were subsequently given the green light to contribute to the publication.
A coveted collaboration cut short
According to insiders, the Duchess and Enninful were keen to build on the success of their groundbreaking September 2019 issue, which Meghan guest-edited. The issue, titled 'Forces for Change', was a critical triumph, praised for its focus on diverse and influential women.
However, any plans for a follow-up were swiftly quashed. Palace courtiers are said to have intervened, preventing the collaboration from moving forward. This decision is reported to have caused significant frustration for both the editor and the Duchess, who had developed a strong working relationship.
The Royal double standard
In a move that has been labelled a 'stark double standard' by commentators, the King and Queen Consort were not subjected to the same restrictions. Their own involvement with the magazine was reportedly approved without issue, leading to accusations of favouritism and a concerted effort to curb Meghan's influence and independent projects.
This incident is seen as a key example of the control the institution sought to maintain over the Sussexes, a dynamic that ultimately contributed to their decision to step back as senior royals and relocate to North America.
Enninful's royal tribute
The claims emerged in excerpts from Enninful's new memoir, A Visible Man. The excerpts detail his professional admiration for Meghan Markle, whom he describes as a 'brilliant collaborator' with a sharp editorial eye.
His account provides a rare glimpse into the professional constraints faced by Meghan during her time as a working royal, contrasting her experience with the freedom seemingly afforded to other members of the family.
The news has ignited fierce debate on social media, with many supporters of the Duchess condemning the Palace's alleged actions as proof of institutional bias and a missed opportunity for the monarchy to engage with a modern, global audience.
