Meghan Markle to release children's book The Bench

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 05 May 2021

Meghan Markle reveals plans to publish her first children's book, The Bench, in June.

Meghan Markle has announced plans to release her first children's book, The Bench, this summer.

The Duchess of Sussex said that she was inspired to write the story when she began writing a poem for her husband Prince Harry on Father's Day, one month after their son Archie was born.

The book's publishers promise that it will provide "moments of peace and reflection, trust and belief, discovery and learning, and lasting comfort" when it is released on June 8.

"The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father's Day, the month after Archie was born," said Markle in a statement. "That poem became this story.

"My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the make-up, as much as it does with mine."

The couple have now been living in California for more than a year after taking the decision to step down as senior members of the Royal Family and strive for "financial independence".

Their continued use of their Royal titles in their private endeavours - The Bench's front cover has the prominent byline "Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex" - continues to draw criticism following their withdrawal from official duties.

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