In 2019, Meghan Markle made headlines by gracing the cover of British Vogue in what was celebrated as a groundbreaking collaboration with then-editor Edward Enninful.
This partnership resulted in the "Forces for Change" issue, which was lauded for its innovative approach and quickly became a massive success, breaking sales records and generating significant buzz. However, as the initial excitement waned, a more complex narrative began to unfold, revealing a story ripe for scrutiny and intrigue.
The much-praised issue, which featured a selection of trailblazers chosen by Meghan and Enninful, was presented as a revolutionary moment for the magazine. It included a diverse mix of activists, artists, and fashion icons, but conspicuously omitted some key figures. Among the most glaring omissions were Queen Elizabeth II and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge—two women whose inclusion could have added substantial credibility to the issue. Despite being championed as a historic edition, Tina Brown described the issue in her book The Palace Papers as a "mystifying bore" for Vogue’s traditional readers, suggesting that Meghan's vision may have been more about creating a splash than truly honoring genuine changemakers.
The cover itself featured a mirrored panel, intended to inspire readers to see themselves as agents of change. However, many critics wondered if this was more about reflecting Meghan's own image rather than making a substantive contribution to societal progress. Fast forward five years, and Enninful, now Vogue's global creative and cultural adviser, has once again stirred the pot by asking the original lineup of changemakers to nominate the next set of game-changers. While this move seems to continue the celebration of trailblazers, it also appears to be a calculated attempt to revive past success without the effort of creating new content.
The new list includes notable figures like Yasmin Finney and Angelina Jolie, but Meghan's own contributions and her previous editorial influence are conspicuously absent. Rumors suggest that Enninful's enthusiasm for Meghan's guest editorship may have waned. Speculation arises that the real driving force behind the success of the "Forces for Change" issue was not its content but the fact that it was distributed in high-profile executive lounges and studios, rather than driven by genuine consumer demand. This raises the question: could the entire venture have been more of an inflated success story than a true triumph?
Adding to the intrigue is the ongoing silence from both Meghan and Enninful regarding the controversial editorial choices. Sources close to the project hint that Meghan, despite advice to include figures like the Queen and Catherine, chose to disregard these suggestions. Instead, the issue leaned heavily on self-congratulatory themes rather than acknowledging the contributions of established figures. Whether this decision was seen as a snub or a strategic move fuels speculation about Meghan's true motivations. Enninful's reluctance to address these controversies only stokes the fires of gossip.
Enninful's transition to a different role within Vogue might be viewed as an attempt to distance himself from the fallout of this collaboration. His continued silence about the editorial decisions made during Meghan's guest editorship adds to the sense of secrecy and evasion. The "Forces for Change" issue, once celebrated as a landmark in Vogue's history, now appears to be a complex and somewhat dubious chapter. While initially praised for its innovative approach, subsequent revelations about its content and decision-making process cast a shadow over its legacy. Meghan Markle, who was supposed to be the shining star of this issue, now finds herself on the periphery of a project that continues to provoke more questions than answers.
