Meghan Markle Thanks Supporters After 'The Bench' Tops the New York Times Best Sellers List

• Meghan Markle's children's book The Bench (opens in new tab) topped the New York Times Best Sellers list!
• The Duchess of Sussex thanked her supporters in a sweet message on the Archewell website.
• "While this poem began as a love letter to my husband and son, I’m encouraged to see that its universal themes of love, representation and inclusivity are resonating with communities everywhere," she wrote.

What a month it's been for Meghan Markle! Shortly after welcoming baby Lilibet Diana, the Duchess of Sussex released her first children's book, The Bench—and just a week after publication, it's topped the New York Times Best Sellers list for children's picture books. The book, illustrated by Caldecott-winning artist Christian Robinson, celebrates the special bond between fathers and sons, and the Duchess dedicated it to Prince Harry and Archie Harrison (opens in new tab).

On the Archewell website, Meghan shared a sweet message thanking her supporters. "While this poem began as a love letter to my husband and son, I’m encouraged to see that its universal themes of love, representation and inclusivity are resonating with communities everywhere," she wrote.

"In many ways, pursuing a more compassionate and equitable world begins with these core values," she continued. "Equally, to depict another side of masculinity—one grounded in connection, emotion, and softness—is to model a world that so many would like to see for their sons and daughters alike. Thank you for supporting me in this special project."

Meghan explained the moving origin of The Bench in a press release (opens in new tab) last month. "The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born,” she said. "That poem became this story."

"Christian layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolor illustrations that capture the warmth, joy, and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life; this representation was particularly important to me, and Christian and I worked closely to depict this special bond through an inclusive lens," Meghan continued. "My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine."