Adut Akech told by Meghan Markle she’s an ‘inspiration’ as she’s picked for Vogue cover

Adut Akech has graced covers of many magazines. But the one she’s most excited about is the upcoming British Vogue she features on the cover with 14 other celebrities. Guest editor Meghan Markle called her to let her know. Find out what was said in the royal call.

• Meghan is a hypocrite for editing Vogue
• What Meghan’s Vogue cover really reveals about her

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 made her runway debut in 2016 and was hand-picked to feature on the front cover of British Vogue September edition, which was guest edited by Markle herself.

Australian model Adut Akech. Picture: Steven Meisel/Zara

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Akech, a Sudanese refugee who grew up in South Australia, will be featured alongside 14 women who Markle believes are “Forces for change” — New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Jane Fonda, Laverne Cox, Gemma Chan, Salma Hayek, Sinead Burke, Jameela Jamil, Yara Shahidi, Greta Thunberg, Adwoa Aboah, Ramla Ali, Christy Turlington, Francesca Hayward and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

She has walked in runways across the world. Picture: Miguel Medina/AFP

Akech is one of Australia’s most in demand models. Picture: John Phillips/Getty Images

Their images are tiled across the cover and in the centre will be a mirror.

Akech said she only found out what the campaign was 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 Confidential.

“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.

Akech and Meghan Markle are hoping to meet when she is in London next. Picture: Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP

“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.”

Having worked with the biggest brands in the world, including Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Burberry, Versace, Valentino, Machino and her latest campaign with Zara (pictured), Akech is one of the most in demand models in the world.

Akech will feature alongside 13 other identities picked by Markle. Picture: Peter Lindbergh/Kensington Palace/AFP

Akech said while she couldn’t believe that she was selected for Markle’s cover, she was honoured 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.

“When my career is over I don’t want it to just be for wearing clothes, I want people to remember me for my contributions.

“I want to show little girls like me that you can do anything.”

The September issue of British Vogue is out on August 2.