Supermodel Naomi Campbell has replaced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as the ambassador of a major royal charity – and she is the very first person to take on the royal role.
“The youth are leading our future, they intend to help change the world, and we need to help them.”
– Naomi Campbell
According to The List, the British fashion icon was “recently named as a Global Ambassador for the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, for the upcoming Platinum Jubilee year in 2022.”
This was a position that was previously vacated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they decided to step down from royal duties back in early 2020.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is an organisation that helps to assist the projects of youth advocates across the globe, and the Queen acts as a patron, according to Harper Bazaar.
One of fashion’s most recognisable faces, Campbell is taking on the task, having undertaken plenty of charity work throughout her career.
Campbell is also known for her charity work, namely in Africa, which she first began with late South African President, Nelson Mandela.
In fact, the legendary freedom fighter named her “honorary granddaughter” due to her activist work, says In Style.
Even Vogue is impressed, “the supermodel launched an initiative called We Love Brazil in 2005 to help tackle poverty in the South American country,” before launching Fashion For Relief.
Through these multiple campaigns, she has raised millions for various humanitarian and environmental causes.
The model has also been outspoken about various injustices over her time in the spotlight, voicing her support to the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter.
Now, in her new role, the supermodel will help to support young innovators between the ages of 18 and 35 across the Commonwealth. The aim is to connect them with opportunities, training and funding.
Naomi Campbell got the opportunity to be involved in the modelling world at a very young age. She became a professional model at 15 years old.
She quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the top 3 most in-demand supermodels of the 80s and 90s, despite facing discrimination and racism throughout the industry.
The supermodel has appeared in over 500 magazine covers, including French Vogue, American Vogue and Time. She has walked the catwalk for luxury brands like Versace and Vivienne Westwood.
An ambitious businesswoman, Campbell launched a line of fragrances for women in 1999 and has been involved in numerous movies, reality shows and music videos.
Campbell has been conquering the fashion world for over 30 years and is still at the top of her game.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex retained their Queen’s Commonwealth Trust positions until February this year when they officially stepped back as working members of the British royal family.
During a speech at the Hotel Café Royal in London on Thursday, September 16, Campbell said it was an “honour” for her to take on “this very grown-up role”.
“It is my privilege to accept this role as global ambassador for the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust,” Campbell said. “Regardless of where you are from or where you are now, there are young leaders within your community doing amazing work. They all deserve our support, and access to education and resources.”
“This is something very close to my heart, and I will continue to do everything I can to uplift the next generation, so they can create a better future for their communities,” she added.
Christopher Kelly, CEO of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, explained that Campbell will help the organisation “to shine a spotlight on the service, innovation and achievements” of young people across the Commonwealth.
The choice of Campbell to follow in the Sussexes’ footsteps “shows the palace has learned to appreciate the power of modern celebrity, as well as the need to make stronger efforts at embracing diversity.”
Everyone is delighted and super eager to see how Naomi Campbell will support young innovators in the communities across the Commonwealth.
“In charity, every little bit helps. You can’t change the world. You can’t do everything. But you can spread awareness and do as much as you can.”
– Naomi Campbell
Congratulations Naomi!