Meghan Markle Is Publishing Her First Children's Book, Inspired by Harry and Archie
'The Bench' will be published on June 8, 2021, and is available for pre-order today.

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 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.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
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.
-
The Scent of the Summer Is a Little Bit Pool Water, Plus a Lot of Swimsuit Lycra
Vacation’s new body mists are coming in hot.
By Samantha Holender
-
In 'Sinners,' Music From the Past Liberates Us From the Present
In its musical moments, Ryan Coogler's vampire blockbuster makes a powerful statement about Black culture, ancestry, and art.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Kendall Jenner Has the Last Word on the Best Travel Shoes
Leave your ballet flats in your checked bag.
By Halie LeSavage
-
Climate Fiction So Earth-Shattering You’ll Never Forget to Recycle Again
These dystopian books imagine a future where the worst has already happened.
By Liz Doupnik
-
The 'Fourth Wing' TV Show: Everything We Know About the Series Adaptation
Rebecca Yarros's bestselling romantasy series is getting the Prime Video series treatment.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
The 20 Best True Crime Books to Read in 2025
These nonfiction titles and memoirs about serial killers and scammers are the definition of page-turners.
By Andrea Park
-
Every Ruth Ware Book, Ranked—From 'In a Dark, Dark Wood' to 'The Woman in Cabin 10'
Here's what you should read before her new thriller 'The Woman in Suite 11' hits shelves.
By Nicole Briese
-
10 Books to Read for a Killer Vacation
Pack these novels about vacations gone very wrong on your next trip.
By Liz Doupnik
-
The Melancholic Sound of Success
The artist known as Japanese Breakfast opens up about finding her sound on a new album after experiencing whirlwind success.
By Sadie Bell
-
'With Love, Meghan' Season 2: Everything We Know
Get ready for more recipes and crafts from the Duchess of Sussex.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Every Jennifer Weiner Novel, Ranked—From 'Good in Bed' to 'In Her Shoes'
All hail the queen of beach reads!
By Nicole Briese