Graydon Carter, the former editor of Vanity Fair, has candidly recounted the behind-the-scenes dynamics surrounding Meghan Markle's cover story in the magazine's October 2017 issue. While some may have believed the cover was positioned as an elevation of Markle’s charitable work, Carter has disclosed that it was, in fact, her burgeoning romance with Prince Harry that caught the magazine's attention.
In an exclusive interview with Page Six, Carter, who helmed Vanity Fair from 1992 until 2017, stated that he initially had no knowledge of who Meghan Markle was when his colleague, Jane Sarkin, suggested her for a cover story. "Jane came in and said, ‘We should do a cover on Meghan Markle,’" Carter recalled. Perplexed, he responded, "I have no idea what that is; why should we do a story on her?" Sarkin informed him that Markle was set to marry Prince Harry. "So she said, ‘Because she’s going to marry Prince Harry,’" Carter reminisced, noting the serendipitous timing of the cover aligned perfectly with their engagement announcement weeks later.
Despite her connection to the royal family, Markle seemed to hold aspirations for the profile to spotlight her philanthropy. Carter recounted the instance during the interview when Markle challenged a journalist, asking, "Excuse me, is this going to all be about Prince Harry? Because I thought we were going to be talking about my charities and my philanthropy." This moment has sparked speculation regarding her perspective on celebrity and public interest, with Carter asserting that Markle was "adrift on the facts and reality."
The feature ultimately ran under the headline: "Meghan Markle, Wild About Harry!" emphasizing the very relationship that Markle wished to downplay. Just a year after the interview, she and Prince Harry were wed, encapsulating a fairy-tale romance that has been overshadowed by subsequent controversies.
Since stepping down from royal duties in early 2020, Meghan and Harry have relocated to California where they've experienced both personal and public turmoil. Reflecting on the couple's estrangement from Harry’s family, Carter shared what he believes Princess Diana would feel about her son’s current situation. He opined, "I would think she would feel great sorrow for her son to have been pulled away from his family like this, especially his brother but also his father. Anytime someone comes between siblings that’s a disaster—horrible for a family." His sentiments resonate deeply, considering Diana's own struggles within the royal family.
Throughout the interview, Carter also examined the broader societal implications of Markle's actions and how they may be perceived. He forecasted the nature of her marriage with Harry, confidently asserting in 2023 that he believed it would be measured in years rather than decades. Carter has previously criticized Markle's endeavors, labeling her someone who "has run rings around poor Harry and gotten what she wanted: notoriety, money, and a title." He even quipped that perhaps a reality TV show was in Markle's future—though he expressed skepticism around her potential return to acting.
Indeed, since launching her lifestyle reality series, With Love, Meghan, in March 2025, which features Markle promoting her culinary and crafting skills, the public’s response has been mixed at best. Critics have pointed out its lack of authenticity, yet the series has been renewed for a second season despite the lukewarm reception.
As the narrative of the Sussexes continues to unfold, questions regarding their roles in modern celebrity culture and family dynamics remain at the forefront. Carter's revelations not only shed light on Markle’s perception of herself but also illustrate the complexities of navigating public life intertwined with personal relationships.
In many ways, Meghan Markle’s story reflects the ongoing dialogue about identity in the public sphere—whether it’s through charitable work, royal affiliation, or the pursuit of personal authenticity amid external expectations. With each public appearance or interview, she navigates this precarious balance, raising important questions about where one draws the line between public and private lives when the spotlight never dims.
