Meghan Markle Publishing Her First Children's Book, Inspired by Harry and Archie

(Image credit: PA Images)

It looks like the Sussex Media Empire will extend beyond podcasts and Netflix deals. On Tuesday, the Duchess announced that she has written her first children’s book, titled The Bench, available at bookstores on June 8, 2021. Illustrated by Christian Robinson, the book tells the story about the bonds between a father and son, as seen through a mother’s eyes. Featuring a diverse and modern group of families, the book offers a window into the tender moments between boys and their dads.

Meghan’s debut was inspired by the relationship between her husband, Prince Harry, and their 2-year-old son Archie. Although inspired by her own family, the book “captures the evolving and expanding relationship between fathers and sons and reminds us of the many ways that love can take shape and be expressed in a modern family,” according to the press release. And just when you thought it couldn’t get much sweeter, Meghan has also narrated the audiobook edition for those kids who are glued to their devices or simply would like to hear Montecito’s favorite royal tell a story about a father’s love.

The Bench

“The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born,” Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex said in a statement.“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. My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine.”

You can pre-order your copy of The Bench here.

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Zoe Guy is the digital fellow at Marie Claire, where she covers pop culture, hot celebrity gossip, movies and TV. She’s obsessed with Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of The Age of Innocence, anything written by Jesmyn Ward and stan Twitter.