Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex was granted the guest editor role for the September issue of British Vogue. And there was only one person she had in mind to make this issue great. Former First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Markle says she wanted to do something different with the magazine. “In formulating the content of the Forces for Change issue, I knew that I wanted to create a magazine that would speak not just to where we are, but to where we hope to be.” Markle shared there was a few things she learned about Mrs. Obama during their time together.
The Duchess asked Obama to attend a “casual” chicken taco lunch to help with the issue. Markle wanted to use someone kind, inspirational, and funny and just knew it needed to be the former First Lady. Markle also stated she was surprised by Obama’s interview answers. “She graciously said yes (because she’s Michelle, she’s gracious), and then very promptly sent answers (because she’s Michelle, she’s prompt),” wrote Markle. “What was sent back to me, however, left me somewhat speechless. A few ‘simple questions’ (which she could have answered with a sentence or two) were returned to me as a thoughtful, reflective and beautifully curated narrative – a gentle reminder not of how but of why she has become such a globally respected public figure.”
Markle shared that Obama sent her a kind message on Mother’s Day. The Duchess who welcomed baby Archie Harrison with husband, Prince Harry in early May, received a heart-warming message from the Becoming author. “Being a mother has been a masterclass in letting go. Try as we might, there’s only so much we can control. And, boy, have I tried – especially at first.”
“As mothers, we just don’t want anything or anyone to hurt our babies. But life has other plans,” Obama continues. “Bruised knees, bumpy roads and broken hearts are part of the deal. What’s both humbled and heartened me is seeing the resiliency of my daughters.”
Markle asked Obama what would her 15-year-old self say now. The First Lady answered, “I imagine that she’d be proud of how far I’ve come – but she wouldn’t let me off the hook, either,” Obama shares. “I feel like she’d give me one of those silent nods of recognition, you know? She’d remind me there are still too many girls on the South Side of Chicago who are being shushed, cast aside or told they’re dreaming too big. She’d tell me to keep fighting for them. If I’m being honest, she’d probably smile about how cute my husband is, too.”
And lastly, Obama tells Markle that she is excited for her and Prince Harry to be parents, and although early parenthood is hard work, it is a magical experience.
The full interview can be read inside British Vogue. The September issue is available on newsstands and digital downloads Friday, August 2.
Madeline Brown
Featured Image: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images; Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
