Vogue Meets Cressida Dick

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE _ the last to be edited by long-standing editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman - is a reflection of fashion, the arts and the people who have helped shape the world around us in the past 25 years. Celebrating those at the top of their game and their achievements no matter the industry they are in, the issue features a retrospective of the women who have graced the pages of the publication since 1992, Including Natalie Massent, Carol Ann Duffy, Zadie Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Theresa May, Sara Khan and the recently appointed Metropolitan Police commissioner, Cressida Dick

Chosen as the first female commissioner in the Met's 188-year history in February and taking up the role in April, Dick has proven to be the embodiment of the government's "strong and stable" slogan of 2017.

"It was very, very, very thrilling," Dick tells Susie Rushton of being appointed as commissioner in this month's Vogue. "And I do remember thinking – as I think one does at high moments and low moments – of my mother, who died many years ago. You know, she'd just be laughing her head off at it. In a nice way, but she'd think it was hilarious. Her little girl has done something like that."

Leading the capital's police force - the largest in the country - is no easy feat. Her multi-faceted role not only heads up the 43,000-strong force, but also has oversight roles for national counter-terrorism and the police protection of the royal family and high-profile members of government.

"There is something about putting the uniform on. You've got a role to play, to be calm, to lead other people, to go forward when everyone else is running away. It gives you a sense of, not of courage but, 'It’s my job,'" Dick tells us in the September issues

It was a turbulent start to Dick's tenure as London saw a number of incidents hit the capital in the first six months of 2017: the force was tasked with handling the fallout following the horrific fire which engulfed Grenfell Tower in North Kensington; her first official duty as commissioner was to attend the funeral of PC Keith Palmer, who was stabbed to death during the attack on Westminster bridge in April; and terrorists attacked London Bridge and Borough market on a busy Saturday evening, killing eight people and injuring 48.

Despite the deepening crisis and long working hours, Dick maintains that the force’s morale has stayed high. "People are working very hard, they've been shocked by what has happened. There's potential for them to get tired, but they desperately want to stop another terrorist attack," Dick says.

"Their resolve is high," she adds. “It's brought the public supporting the police, even more than before. You can't walk down the road without people coming up to you and shaking your hand and saying thank you for what you're doing. All the staff say the same."