British Vogue releases special edition cover commemorating Queen Elizabeth II

British Vogue’s November issue follows the tradition of Royal purple covers marking the passing of a monarch, as the world continues to come to terms with the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The publication has registered the passing of three monarchs in its 106-year history — George V, George VI and now Her late Majesty – all with special royal covers free of any adornment.

“The keynote of her character is a perfectly transparent sincerity: sincerity of purpose [and] sincerity of devotion to her duty,” Vogue wrote upon The Queen’s accession in 1952.

Seventy years later, the company said in a press statement, those words still rang true. The November 2022 issue reflects not only the continuity of her line, but also the much-mourned absence of Britain’s longest reigning sovereign. 

In a special article written by Edward Enninful, which you can read in full here, the Editor said:

“Whatever your view of monarchy – having been born in a former colony and lived the immigrant experience first-hand, my own opinion is nuanced – it was extraordinary to see. There was so much beauty and pageantry. It felt like a farewell to a Britain of the past.”

“Some people were ready for that, and yet that was the thing about the Queen: for most, there was always something to like. Personally, I responded to her steadiness, her dependable, joy-filled fashion choices, her kind but no-nonsense manners, her tireless devotion to others.”

The November issue of British Vogue is available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday 18th October.