Beauty

Meghan Markle Is Being Accused Of Copying Her Vogue Cover From A Book Project She Was Part Of

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It wouldn’t be Monday without a little royal drama, right? We really do love following along with the royal family. But it’s sort of astounding how much of their lives are lived under a microscope! It seems like there’s also some tea about how Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton despise each other. Or complete strangers chiming in on their marriages, fashion choices, or parenting skills. But guess what – most of it is nonsense. Surprise! Meghan and Kate are friends, and they’re happily married and rocking this whole mom thing. Occasionally, however, there is royal drama that isn’t necessarily manufactured for clicks and pearl-clutching. That seems to be the case with this latest story about Meghan Markle and the British Vogue issue she guest-edited. Let’s unpack this, shall we?

Meghan Markle is being accused of copying the concept for the cover of British Vogue she guest-edited.

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We are proud to announce that Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex is the Guest Editor for the September issue of @BritishVogue. For the past seven months, The Duchess has curated the content with British Vogue's Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful to create an issue that highlights the power of the collective. They have named the issue: “Forces for Change” For the cover, The Duchess chose a diverse selection of women from all walks of life, each driving impact and raising the bar for equality, kindness, justice and open mindedness. The sixteenth space on the cover, a mirror, was included so that when you hold the issue in your hands, you see yourself as part of this collective. The women on the cover include: @AdwoaAboah @AdutAkech @SomaliBoxer @JacindaArdern @TheSineadBurke @Gemma_Chan @LaverneCox @JaneFonda @SalmaHayek @FrankieGoesToHayward @JameelaJamilOfficial @Chimamanda_Adichie @YaraShahidi @GretaThunberg @CTurlington We are excited to announce that within the issue you’ll find: an exclusive interview between The Duchess and former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, a candid conversation between The Duke of Sussex and Dr Jane Goodall, inspirational articles written by Brené Brown, Jameela Jamil and many others. Equally, you’ll find grassroots organisations and incredible trailblazers working tirelessly behind the scenes to change the world for the better. • “Guest Editing the September issue of British Vogue has been rewarding, educational and inspiring. To deep dive into this process, working quietly behind the scenes for so many months, I am happy to now be able to share what we have created. A huge thanks to all of the friends who supported me in this endeavour, lending their time and energy to help within these pages and on the cover. Thank you for saying “Yes!” – and to Edward, thank you for this wonderful opportunity.” – The Duchess of Sussex #ForcesForChange

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The cover was revealed less than 24 hours ago. But already, people are pointing out some similarities between the cover and a book project Meghan was a part of a few years ago. According to the official @SussexRoyal IG account, Meghan has been working with Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful for the past seven months, curating content for the issue, “Forces for Change”. The Duchess selected a diverse group of women to feature in tiles on the cover, each of whom are driving forces for change and equality in their communities and in the collective community at large.

One of the tiles is a mirror, which according to Meghan, “was included so that when you hold the issue in your hands, you see yourself as part of this collective.” It’s a beautiful cover, no doubt, and very indicative of Meghan’s personal beliefs and goals.

The problem is, it might not have been an entirely original concept.

A few years ago, Meghan Markle was part of a book project with authors Samantha Brett and Steph Adams. The book, called “The Game Changers”, featured Meghan on the cover, and the Duchess personally approved the concept and also contributed an essay for the book’s release. There are definitely some similarities between the two covers – both use a grid-style layout with 15 photos of inspiring women (Meghan added the 16th tile to the Vogue cover). The messaging behind the book and the magazine issue is also similar; both feature women who are changing the world and acting as forces of change. It’s unclear how much control Meghan had over the actual cover of the issue she worked on. And we’d be remiss not to clarify that this isn’t exactly a new or original concept.

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To watch the full #ForcesForChange video for the September Issue of @BritishVogue, guest edited by The Duchess of Sussex, please visit our IGTV. Her Royal Highness is the first Guest Editor for British Vogue’s September Issue and for the last seven months has worked to create an issue of inclusivity and inspiration, focusing on what connects us rather than what divides us. Fifteen women were chosen for the cover including New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who generously lent her time to support The Duchess in this important issue. The women first met last autumn during Their Royal Highness’ official tour of New Zealand. Above, PM Ardern says: “One change that I’ve noticed over the course of my career, is just how polarised the world is now. I do think there is a solution to that though, and that’s ultimately us coming back to the humanity that we all share." Thank you PM Ardern for being an amazing force for change. For more details on this special project, please see previous post and stay tuned for more updates throughout the week.

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But the authors of the book Meghan was a part of see things a little differently. Brett told the Daily Mail, “It’s obviously very flattering, she obviously likes our concept! I love Meghan and am a huge fan, but if what people are alerting us to is true, then it’s extremely disappointing.” The palace hasn’t commented on the brewing controversy at this time.

What say you, readers? Coincidence? Or copied?