Meghan Markle writes a children’s book called ‘The Bench’ about the relationship between fathers and sons that was inspired by a poem she wrote for Harry after Archie was born and has illustrations of a red-headed soldier
- Duchess of Sussex, 39, said the book – released June 8 – would explore ‘special bond between father and son’
- She said the book ‘started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born’
- Meghan told of her hope that the illustrated book would ‘resonate with every family, no matter the makeup’
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Meghan Markle today announced she has written a children’s book called The Bench, which is inspired by Prince Harry and her son Archie and is illustrated with pictures of a red-headed soldier.
The Duchess of Sussex, 39, said the book was inspired by a poem she had written for Harry after Archie was born and would explore the ‘special bond between father and son’ as ‘seen through a mother’s eyes’.
The story, set for release on June 8, will be illustrated by bestselling artist Christian Robinson, with Meghan saying she wanted the story to be told through an ‘inclusive lens’.
The Duchess said in a statement: ‘The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born.
‘That poem became this story. Christian layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolour 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.’
The Duchess of Sussex said the book would explore the ‘special bond between father and son’ as ‘seen through a mother’s eyes’
Illustrations for the book – by the artist Christian Robinson – include a red-headed soldier. It will be released on June 8
Another illustration from The Bench, the debut children’s book written by the Duchess of Sussex based on her own experiences
Photos from inside the book shows a boy being lifted into the air by a red-haired man in military uniform as a woman weeps from the window.
The words accompanying the picture say: ‘Looking out at My Love and our beautiful boy.
‘And here in the window I’ll have tears of joy’.
Another image features a father with his baby boy sleeping on a lounger outside.
The writing says: ‘From here you will rest, see the growth of our boy’.
A media release reads: ‘Inspired by her own husband and son, The Duchess of Sussex’s debut touchingly 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.
‘Evoking a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion, The Bench gives readers a window into shared and enduring moments between a diverse group of fathers and sons—moments of peace and reflection, trust and belief, discovery and learning, and lasting comfort.’
The press statement described the Duchess of Sussex as a ‘mother, wife, feminist, and activist’ who ‘currently resides in her home state of California with her family, two dogs, and a growing flock of rescue chickens’.
The book is published by Penguin Random House and will be released on June 8.
Meghan said in a statement: ‘The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born’