"I hope readers feel as inspired as I do by the forces for change they’ll find within these pages." (Ben Birchall - WPA Pool / Getty Images)

September’s issue of British Vogue is guest edited by Meghan Markle, who has chosen to highlight 15 “trailblazing” women instead of featuring on the cover herself.

The Duchess of Sussex has selected 15 “trailblazing changemakers, united by their fearlessness in breaking barriers” — including the transgender actress, model and advocate, Laverne Cox.

Alongside Cox on the all-female cover are the climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg, the New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, and the actress and body positivity advocate Jameela Jamil.

I hope readers feel as inspired as I do by the forces for change they’ll find within these pages.

Markle reportedly turned down the opportunity to appear on the cover herself, feeling that it would be “boastful.”

Boxer Ramla Ali, diversity advocate Sinead Burke, Royal Ballet dancer Francesca Hayward and author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are also featured on the inclusive cover.

Openly feminist and LGBT-positive message

The edition is entitled ‘Forces for Change,’ and Markle’s choice of cover stars is a clear statement on her openly feminist and LGBT-positive views.

She and her husband Prince Harry were the first royals to celebrate Pride month this year, and have been some of the most vocal members of the royal family about LGBT+ issues.

Markle spent seven months working with Vogue “to take the year’s most-read fashion issue and steer its focus to the values, causes and people making impact in the world today”.

She added: “Through this lens I hope you’ll feel the strength of the collective in the diverse selection of women chosen for the cover as well as the team of support I called upon within the issue to help bring this to light.

“I hope readers feel as inspired as I do by the forces for change they’ll find within these pages.”

Markle is the first person ever to guest edit the September issue, which is traditionally the biggest and most important of the year.

British Vogue’s editor-in-chief Edward Enninful said it was “an honour, a pleasure and a wonderful surprise” to have Markle guest edit the magazine.

“As you will see from her selections throughout this magazine, she is also willing to wade into more complex and nuanced areas, whether they concern female empowerment, mental health, race or privilege,” he said.