Meghan and Harry are named 'icons' in Time's list of 100 most influential people

Meghan and Harry are named 'icons' in Time's list of 100 most influential people

Meghan and Harry grace one of the multiple covers of Time showcasing the publication's annual list of the 100 most influential people.

(CNN)This year has seen Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex take part in a groundbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey and welcome their second child into the world, all while scandals have swirled around the royal family they left behind.

Now, they can add another major moment to their 2021 diary -- as Time has named them 'icons' in its annual list of the world's 100 most influential people. The couple appear on one of the multiple covers of Time's 100 issue, while others who grace the magazine's front page include Simone Biles, Billie Eilish and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala -- the first African woman to lead the World Trade Organization.

Naomi Osaka, also named in Time's list, sparked discussion around mental health this year.

In the issue, José Andrés, a chef who founded a nonprofit that provides meals to those in need in the wake of natural disasters, described Harry and Meghan as having "compassion for the people they don't know," and said they "don't just opine -- they run toward the struggle."

Andrés praised the couple for the way they "take risks to help communities in need," by "offering mental health support to Black women and girls in the U.S., and feeding those affected by natural disasters in India and the Caribbean."

When the Sussexes gave their interview to Oprah earlier this year, they were met with praise from across the globe for being open and candid about their struggles with mental health and, since then, the prince released a documentary series on mental well-being and the impact of therapy on his life.

"Springing into action is not the easy choice for a young duke and duchess who have been blessed through birth and talent, and burned by fame," Andrés also wrote. "It would be much safer to enjoy their good fortune and stay silent."

Besides the royal couple, other figures that made this year's Time list include tennis star Naomi Osaka -- who also ignited an essential conversation around mental health this year when she withdrew from the French Open -- Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny, Britney Spears and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

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Billie Eilish wore her Oscar de la Renta Met Gala dress on one condition

Billie Eilish stunned New York at the Met Gala on Monday night as she channeled Old Hollywood in an dramatic Oscar de la Renta gown.

The evening marked the 19-year-old superstar's first appearance at the legendary fashion event and she made sure that it was a debut no one would forget. In an example of true star power, Eilish convinced the house of Oscar de la Renta to go completely fur-free before she stepped out onto the red carpet.

Eilish, a vegan who has voiced her support for animal rights, said on Instagram that it was "an honor to wear this dress knowing that going forward Oscar de la Renta will be completely fur-free," in the future and went on to thank Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim -- the label's creative directors -- for listening to her on the matter.

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She stated that she was "beyond thrilled" the team heard her on the issue and "have now made a change that makes an impact for the greater good, not only for animals but also for our planet and environment too."

The "Happier Than Ever" singer also said she was honored to "have been a catalyst and to have been heard on this matter," then urged "all designers to do the same."Kim Kardashian-West arrived at the Met Gala wearing an all-black Balenciaga gown, which completely obscured her face. Scroll through the gallery above for more highlights from this year's Met Gala red carpet. Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Alex Bolen, chief executive of Oscar de la Renta, said in a statement to CNN that he was endeavoring to "surround" himself with people who have different points of view -- particularly young people.

"I thought a lot about what Oscar said -- he was a big fan of fur, by the way -- that the one thing he really worried about in the fashion business was his eye getting old," Bolen said.

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Eilish channeled Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly in her décolleté-bearing peach gown, which came with a fitted bodice and lengthy tulle train that required the support of four helpers.

The look further cemented the pop giant's shift in style, as she continues to move away from the trademark Goth look, that she first burst onto the scene with back in 2019, in favor of pastel colors and a sleek blond haircut.