Adelaide model Adut Akech featured on cover of Vogue, guest edited by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle

Adelaide model Adut Akech has been personally chosen by Meghan Markle for her Vogue edition, as one of 14 women around the world who have become “forces for change”.

Adut Akech was hanging out in her kitchen with her little sister when she received a call from The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.

The 19-year-old, currently home in Adelaide where her family lives at Andrews Farm, was hand-picked for the front cover of British Vogue September edition, guest edited by Markle.

Akech, a Sudanese refugee who grew up in South Australia, will be featured alongside 14 women who Markle believes are “forces for change” and include New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and US actress and activist Jane Fonda.

Akech said she only found out about two weeks ago when Markle called her.

“When I shot the campaign I knew it was for Vogue but I didn’t know what it was for,” she told The Advertiser.

“I only found out when she (Markle) called me and explained what was happening.

“Vogue told me they had a surprise for me and they would call in a couple of hours and when the phone rang it was her.

“She said that I was an inspiration, I couldn’t believe that she was calling me an inspiration.

“We didn’t get to talk for very long because she had to get back to Archie but when I’m in London in September we’re hoping to meet.”

Adelaide model Adut Akech in the Zara campaign. Picture: Steven Meisel / Zara

Having worked with the biggest global fashion brands, including her latest campaign with Zara, Akech is one of the most in demand models in the world.

Akech said was honoured to be selected for Markle’s cover and would not take her inclusion lightly.

“I don’t want to be a model that doesn’t do anything, I want to make a difference,” she said. “I want to make a change and be a voice.”

BRITISH VOGUE, SEPTEMBER ISSUE, OUT AUGUST 2