As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's official royal exit nears, the two have been the subject of recent headlines and controversies.

Meghan Markle will go back to her normal life far from the complications of the British Royal family as she and her husband Prince Harry will bid goodbye to Buckingham on April 1.

Before get to read or hear the term "Duchess of Sussex" a little less than we do now, here's a little throwback to one of Meghan Markle's most memorable collaborations: the September issue of British Vogue. But hers was a departure from previous royal collaborations because instead of being at the cover like Princess Diana and her sister-in-law Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge did, she actually she guest-edited the issue.

For the issue's Forces for Change cover, the Duchess of Sussex "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." Instead of her, the cover featured portraits of 15 influential women she selected herself, including Yara Shahidi, Greta Thunberg and Salma Hayek.

Credit: @The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle is not only well-known for being a feminist but also for her strong personality as shown by her previous defiance to the Queen and the royal orders. As to the British Vogue issue, she had specifically instructed that the cover shoot would show the women as "natural" as they can be.

Peter Lindbergh, who shot the cover, revealed in an interview what Meghan's vision was.

"My instructions from the Duchess were clear: 'I want to see freckles!'" Lindbergh said. According to the photographer, he spoke to Meghan on the phone during the morning of the New York shoot.

"Well, that was like running through open doors for me. I love freckles."

Lindbergh explained that he prefers shooting women in that style, to showcase their natural beauty. "I hate retouching, I hate make-up. I always say, 'Take the make-up off!'" Lindbergh said. "The number of beautiful women who have asked me to lengthen their legs or move their eyes further apart..." he laughed. "You would not believe. It's a culture of madness."


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The 15 cover starring Meghan Markle selected are all activists and pioneers in their industries including model Adwoa Aboah, model Adut Akech, Somali boxer Ramla Ali, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, writer Sinéad Burke, actress Gemma Chan, actress Laverne Cox, actress Jane Fonda, actress Salma Hayek, ballet dancer Francesca Hayward, actress Jameela Jamil, writer Chimamanda Adichie, actress Yara Shahidi, activist Greta Thunberg, and model Chrissy Turlington.

Through SussexRoyal Instagram, the Duchess said, "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."

The issue was not only memorable for British Vogue for its one-of-a-kind cover but also for being the magazine's fastest-selling issue. According to an article, editor-in-chief Edward Enninful announced on Instagram that copies were flying off the shelves and selling out in ten days.

He also tweeted, "#ForcesForChange, guest edited by The Duchess of Sussex @SussexRoyal, was our fastest-selling issue in the history of #BritishVogue (sold out in 10 days)."

Enninful also revealed the issue was the "biggest-selling of the past decade." 

Meghan Markle will no longer be a royal soon but by exemplifying courage and compassion, not to mention being a "badass," she remains a royalty for her fans and supporters.