Meghan Markle blasted for not including the Queen in list of trailblazers for Vogue’s September issue that she guest-edited
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is receiving a lot of backlash for her choice of 15 women that she admires on the September issue of British Vogue. Meghan is the first royal to guest edit the magazine on its 'Forces for Change' issue.
The women Meghan admires include celebrities, politicians, and activists who are known for their work with issues such as diversity, body positivity, transgender rights, and climate change. The issue includes actress Jane Fonda, 81, climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg, 16, amongst many others.
However, Meghan's choice of celebrities on the cover has not sat well with everyone. Many critics lashed out at the new mother for promoting her friends and "involving herself in politics." She was also slammed by a few for not including the Queen in the magazine and also for ignoring nurses, doctors, lawyers and teachers on the cover of the magazine.
A video posted to the SussexRoyal Instagram handle showed a pregnant Meghan Markle standing next to Vogue's editor-in-chief Edward Enninful as they put the finishing touches to the magazine. The post spoke about how the Duchess of Sussex spent the last seven months working on "an issue of inclusivity and inspiration, focusing on what connects us rather than what divides us."
However, one fan took issue that queen Elizabeth was not included. The fan shared, "The Queen is the greatest influence there is in the women's world and the Queen de facto Princess Catherine, the queen in training."
While another fan added, "Again. I think it should be ordinary women making a huge difference such as scientists, engineers, aid workers. Not celebrities."
Brexit MEP Ann Widdecombe told the Sun, "Royals have not only got to keep out of politics but they have got to be seen to keep out of politics."
One fan shared, "I can’t even figure what this message is about?! So vague yet has politics written all over it. Royals aren’t supposed to get political but Meghan can’t help herself."
Meghan had initially been asked to grace the cover of the magazine herself but she had declined to do so over fears that it would look too 'boastful', Vogue's editor-in-chief Edward Enninful revealed. Instead, she chose to focus on 15 women who "break barriers". From selecting the cover stars to the interviews to choosing the photographer, Meghan was highly involved in the creation of the issue.