The Duchess of Sussex has released a video revealing details of her time as guest editor of British Vogue magazine last September.

The edition became the fastest-selling issue in the publication’s history – selling out in 10 days – and its biggest seller of the past decade.

In the video shot in Vogue’s London headquarters last August, the magazine’s editor-in-chief Edward Enninful reveals the project began with a text message the previous January.

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Earlier today @edward_enninful, the Editor in Chief of @britishvogue shared: “#ForcesForChange, guest edited by The Duchess of Sussex @SussexRoyal, was our fastest-selling issue in the history of #BritishVogue ( sold out in 10 days) and the biggest-selling issue of the past decade. I can't wait to see what 2020 has in store…” • To celebrate, we wanted to share this never before seen video behind the scenes with Edward and The Duchess of Sussex on the creation of this special issue. Please note, this was filmed last August in London. Congratulations to all of those who took part in the 2019 September issue, and huge thanks to those who supported and helped make this a success! Video credit: Directed by @kloss_films Copyright @sussexroyal

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

“I wanted to see if you would help me with Smart Works (the Duchess’s charitable clothing collection), right? And so, there we were, having tea,” Meghan says.

“I remember walking into Kensington Palace and I was so excited,” Mr Enninful responds.

“And I was like ‘Lovely to meet you, Duchess.’ And you were like ‘Call me Meghan.'”

After bursting out laughing at the memory of their meeting, Meghan adds: “From January to now, (that’s) how much we’ve been working on this, and for me to just say, yes, you would help me on Smart Works – amazing.

“And maybe I could push it just a little bit more and see if you would be willing to let me guest edit.”

The Duchess of Sussex guest edits British Vogue
The British Vogue edition guest edited by the Duchess of Sussex (Peter Lindbergh/Vogue)

Mr Enninful recalls he immediately thought “Yes, please!” while the Duchess says she was unsure if anyone had ever done it before.

“In the history of Vogue, you’re the first,” Mr Enninful tells her.

“You have an editor’s eye. I mean, I’ve never seen anything like it. You were so thorough, from beginning to end.”

Meghan adds: “But I left the fashion stuff to you professionals.

“I did say ‘Can you do Commonwealth fashion? Can you do sustainability? Can we make sure the point of view is really in the right ethos? And then I’ll leave it to the experts.'”

Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Mr Enninful tells the Duchess: “You wanted to focus on women who are changing the world, women who are doing incredible things. Which really is in line with what we do at British Vogue.”

Meghan replies: “Yes, and then having the mirror. Anyone, no matter who they are picking up this issue, should be able to see themself in it, and that’s what I feel really proud that we’ve accomplished.

Mr Enninful is also seen calling some people who were involved with the issue, including British fashion model Adwoa Aboah.

He tells Ms Aboah that “we had to keep this quiet for a very long time” and she responds by saying it was “a f***ing great project”.

South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech is also called and the Duchess tells her: “Just know, we are so, so proud that you’re on the cover with everything you represent … you’re a true force for change.”

Meghan tells American actress and model Yara Shahid that “I kid you not, the very first name that I said I wanted on the cover was you.”

The final call is to actress and activist Jane Fonda, who says: “Meghan, I’m so proud of you for using your amazing platform and your strong voice and I’m so honoured to be a part of it with all those other amazing women.

“Thank you so much for including me.”