Wednesday 1 July 2020

Diversity Award Given to Forces for Change & Powerful Words from Harry During Diana Award Ceremony

The Duchess of Sussex has revealed she is "honoured" following the fantastic news the issue of British Vogue she guest edited, Forces for Change, has won a diversity award. The issue won the Diversity Initiative of the Year Award at the PPA Awards which celebrates the "inspiring and tireless" efforts of publishers, editors and others involved in the industry. One judge described the issue as a "genuine media ground-breaking moment". I think there was a collective feeling the September issue Meghan and Edward Enninful created was a significant moment for the publication. That significance was confirmed when the magazine revealed it was the fastest-selling issue in British Vogue's century-old history.


In response to the excellent news, the Duchess said:

'I'm honored to have this very special issue recognized. Creating Forces for Change with Edward was an opportunity to have the September Issue of Vogue reflect the world as we see it—beautiful and strong in its diversity.
"Huge congratulations to Edward who helped bring this to light, and for his additional honor of being awarded 'best editor' by PPA.'

It was wonderful to hear Edward Enninful was awarded Best Editor. The judges said they were "blown away by how Edward has transformed British Vogue to represent a new generation in fashion and celebrity world. He continues to change and challenge the cultural conversation, championing diversity in both fashion and the arts in general. Judges described him as a true mover and shaker, a key player on the British scene with a magic touch. A true editorial mastermind".


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In our last post, we discussed Harry and Meghan's work and behind-the-scenes meetings with Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County President and CEO Michael Johnson who put Meghan in touch with Althea Bernstein, who was the victim of a horrific attack in Wisconsin. Today, Michael revealed he received another call from the Duchess.

 Describing her as the "real deal", he also revealed they discussed plans for the future. 

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On what would have been his mother's 59th birthday, Prince Harry shared a powerful message for recipients of the Diana Award. In a video message filmed in Los Angeles, he made a pledge he and Meghan will do their part to tackle racism. "Institutional racism has no place in our societies, yet it is still endemic. My wife said recently that our generation and the ones before us haven’t done enough to wipe the wrongs of the past. I, too, am sorry. Sorry that we haven’t got the world to the place where you deserve it to be. I want you to know that we are committed to being part of the solution and to being part of the change that you are all leading. Now is the time and we know that you can do it."


He praised the courage and determination of students telling them about Diana: "Like many of you, she never took the easy route, or the popular one, or the comfortable one, but she stood for something and she stood up for people who needed it." Harry continued: "I see the greatest hope in people like you and I’m confident about the world's future and its ability to heal because it's in your hands."


More from the Telegraph:

'The Duke highlighted the work of a number of recipients including 24-year-old James Frater from London.  
Mr Frater, as a young Black Caribbean boy, had 300 detentions and exclusions from school, but his life was turned around after he was mentored by four teachers. He is now training to become a doctor and has focused on creating initiatives to increase the representation of black students at university, particularly at Russell Group ones.  
Mr Frater was one of the 184 people - children and young adults - presented with a Diana Award accolade this year for social action or humanitarian efforts. The charity was set up in memory of the princess who was killed in a car crash in 1997 when Harry was just 12 and William 15.'


20 comments:

  1. Meghan should be congratulated for this and I hope she is able to continue in the same vein. The video clip shows what an excellent speaker Harry is. Such a pity they are locked down in Los Angeles again with the surge in Covid19. At least they can go on-line!

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  2. Thank you, Charlotte, for your continued coverage of positive stories about Meghan and Harry. I'm so thrilled for Meghan and Edward Enniful for the PPA Award recognizing the diversity represented in their Forces for Change issue. I appreciate Meghan's gracious comment on receiving it.

    It is touching to hear Harry recognizing the young people who carry on work his Mother would appreciate.

    Thank you for sharing Michael Johnson's words of praise for Meghan. She is the real deal. It will be interesting to see what she and Harry build from these small beginnings.

    R

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  3. This is wonderful. So thankful they have chosen to base their fight for justice and peace here in the United States of America, flawed as we are in this strange year. They will remain a force for good. I hope the world listens.

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  4. Congratulations Meghan.
    Well done Prince Harry for your inspiring speech.
    Meghan and you, are the hope for the youth. ❤❤

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  5. Congratulations Meghan.

    Well done Harry for your inspiring speech. Meghan and you,are the hope for the youth.
    God bless your mervelous Family. ❤❤

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  6. I read this post through tears. The Duchess continues to raise the bar through her compassion, drive and sincere desire to be of service to others. She continues to inspire others to stand up to hate, to not let the darkness overcome their light, to see their worth and place in this world. Even the simple act of reaching out and checking in with someone can have such a profound effect, an effect that can literally change a life.

    Thanks Charlotte for your continued fair and compassionate articles about our beloved Duchess and her family.

    I'd like to wish a Happy 4th of July to those who are celebrating it and encourage everyone to remember that not every one on this planet is allowed the freedom to be who they are, let's not stop until that day arrives!

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  7. How wonderful for Vogue, Meghan, and Edward!! To think she did this while becoming a new mother under the "watchful" eyes of the world! Meghan is extremely smart and she has just wonderful ideas. I felt the RF praised her DESPITE her being biracial, but being biracial is what completes her. First, superficially, it makes her physically beautiful. Most, importantly, she is able to relate to all people and to have empathy to drive her intelligence. She is a force to be reckoned with! I guess it would have been a shame to keep her under control of a rules-based institution. Good for Harry -- I know he's so eager to get back to his causes like Invictus.

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  8. It happened just at the right time that Meghan and Harry started their life away from the BRF. I doubt that they would have been able to talk so freely about their attitudes in their royal roles. Perhaps I have missed something but as far as I know, the BRF has yet to support the anti-racism campaigns. I'm happy to learn that I'm wrong.

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  9. Does anyone know if Harry and Meghan receive financial assistance from the Palace? It must be terribly expensive to carry on with their kind of lifestyle in lockdown and charity work being part of that. I’m very curious to know.
    Royal 👑 Watcher

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    1. It was announced earlier that Prince Charles would continue to contribute from his private funds, at least for the first year after they gave up doing royal duties. Previously they also had access to other funds when involved in royal work, including when officially touring in commonwealth or foreign countries. Their biggest cost would be their security as the British Government has withdrawn from providing that and in any case their UK security service could not operate freely outside UK territories. I think the contribution from Charles was meant to cover clothing as well, but they presumably won't need to spend as much in this area while in Los Angeles. As for day to day living costs they can certainly support themselves as they are both independently wealthy, although nothing to compare with some of the seriously rich people around them. Remember Elton John loaned his private plane to them. I should imagine that all this will have to be reworked at the end of the year, but by then they presumably will have extra income through their new agency. They seem to be contributing time and energy to charities rather than making huge donations. although of course we don't really know about that.

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    2. Anon 6:24 how is that anyones business they are private citizens now and such information should be private you , I not anyone needs to know that

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    3. This is a small point, but I imagine she could accept free clothing now. So if a designer wanted her to wear their designs, it would be worth it.

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    4. That sounds very reasonable Kiwi Fan, thank you.
      Royal 👑 Watcher

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    5. The monarchy is heavily subsidized. Including the non working royals. They benefit from inherited properties and estates given to them, connections, goodies and jobs that is more about lending the name cachet than actual qualification and merit. The young ones take turn hitting the socialite circuit and showing up at some friends’ latest jewelry/fashion/clothing/restaurant line debut . To break away from this is a gamble and takes gut. In Meghan’s case, she was pushed out.

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  10. Nice to hear this Charlotte thanks for posting I am glad Meghan was honoured for her work with the Vogue magazine.

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  11. That’s the thing about Harry and Meghan- they inspire people to make a contribution to society and to challenge themselves for their own good as well as others. I hope good things and all the best to them. And of course, thank you charlotte for your beautifully curated coverage of this couple.

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  12. Been offline for a bit. How nice to return to this! Seems like Meghan and Harry are making great use of their "pandemic time". It's great to see the outside world giving Meghan recognition for her accomplishments and keeping her good works in the public eye where they can help raise money and assistance for others. Can't wait to see what's coming!

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  13. After reading what Meghan said in her submission to the current Court case about her mental state during her pregnancy, I feel really sad that being in the Royal Family attracts such awful criticism from trolls and the worst part of the news media. It is now obvious that she was really affected by it. I can also see why Harry has found it difficult to get anyone to marry him! The Queen has coped with this problem by grimly hanging on, usually not commenting and keeping her private life tucked away at Balmoral or Sandringham as much as possible. They just batten down the hatches and only comment on bad publicity as a last resort. Increasingly this doesn't always work in practice, but then when that person tries giving an interview about the problem it just makes matters worse. Eg Diana, Charles, Andrew - need I go on! They are between a rock and a hard place and have come to regret opening up. How Andrew will survive further criminal involvement I can't imagine and I have no sympathy for him personally. But I do have sympathy for his family, especially his parents and his wife and daughters.
    I am afraid Meghan and Harry and the RF are going to be exposed to even more criticism when the book comes out this month. Whether it will improve our opinions of them or cause lasting damage is a moot point. Fans like me can only wait in trepidation. The wolves are circling!

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  14. Sheryl from BC Canada5 July 2020 at 23:44

    Thank you so much Charlotte for continuing to publish Harry and Meghans news. It's a delight to come on your page and read their latest endevours. I wish them all the best in this tough world time.

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Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)