The Person of the Year contest has been around since 1927 and identifies people or groups who have influenced the world – positively or negatively – over the past 12 months.
The Duchess of Sussex was shortlisted for the coveted title alongside Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and the woman who made sexual harassment allegations against Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
Murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has also made the shortlist, just nine weeks after he was killed upon entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
The 10 shortlisted candidates for the most sought after title were announced earlier today on NBC’s Today show.
A surprising name in the shortlist was that of Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, who has captivated hearts worldwide since bursting onto the international stage with her Royal romance.
The former actress married Prince Harry in May and is expecting her first child in Spring 2019.
If she wins, she will not be the first royally-connected woman to hold the title.
Wallis Simpson became Time's first "Woman of the Year" in 1936, the year King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne in order to marry her, and Elizabeth II received the honour of "Woman of the Year" in 1952, the year she became Queen.
Alongside Meghan Markle, Donald Trump is in the race for the Person of the Year title for the second time in two years, with his harsh immigration policies and separation of families qualifying him for the shortlist.
American attorney and former FBI director Robert Mueller has also been named as a finalist for 2018 – he was a runner up in 2017.
Mueller’s in-depth investigation into Russian meddling during the 2016 presidential election as well as key figures involved in the 2016 Trump campaign and administration has resulted in more than 191 criminal charges against 32 people and three companies and remains ongoing.
Hollywood director Ryan Coogler has also made the shortlist for his phenomenally successful film ‘Black Panther’.
The superhero movie, set in the fictional African country of Wakanda, featured a largely black cast and had the third-highest grossing U.S. release of all time.
Alongside Coogler, California psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford has been shortlisted for 2018.
The 52-year-old became a symbol for survivors of sexual assault as she testified about her allegations against then-Supreme Court nominee and now Judge Brett Kavanaugh in a room full of senators.
Murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has also made the shortlist, with his death prompting international outcry and scrutiny of the Saudi regime.
The prolific commentator and critic of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was last seen entering the country’s consulate in Istanbul on October 2, and is believed to have been murdered on the orders of the Crown Prince.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has also been shortlisted after a landslide victory in the country’s March elections, extending his power for another six years.
The victory came as the world scrutinised Russia’s in the poisoning of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury and increasing tension with neighbouring Ukraine.
With politicians featuring high on the shortlist, South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s historic meeting with North Korean despot Kim Jong-un has boosted his profile.
His work on brokering a landmark meeting between Kim and Trump has made him another worthy candidate for Person of the Year.
The March For Our Lives Activists have been shortlisted as a group for the 2018 title.
After 17 people were killed on Valentine’s Day in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students from the school organised the #NeverAgain movement.
The students went on to hold dozens of March for Our Lives demonstrations nationwide to campaign for gun-control reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
The winner will be revealed on December 11 at midday GMT (7am EST).
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