Meghan Markle's 'The Bench': Release date, theme, how to buy, cost and all about Duchess of Sussex's first children's book
Actress, duchess, mother - Meghan Markle has aced all the roles in her life with elan so far. It appears that the Duchess of Sussex is all set to add another feather to her crown, as she just announced her upcoming children's book. Titled 'The Bench', the book is believed to be based on Prince Harry and her son Archie's bond as father and son, according to royal reporter Omid Scobie.
In a publicity release for 'The Bench', Meghan mentioned that her book emphasizes diversity and inclusivity while celebrating the father-son relationship. The book was announced just two days before Prince Harry and Meghan's son Archie's second birthday on May 6. Meanwhile, she is expecting the birth of her second child - a daughter - anytime soon, though the exact due date is not known.
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Duchess Meghan has written her first children’s book, The Bench, about the special bond between father and son—as seen through a mother’s eyes. It’s out June 8 and is inspired by Prince Harry and Archie’s close relationship. The book is illustrated by Christian Robinson. pic.twitter.com/E2633kGCAA
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) May 4, 2021
Release Date
According to Daily Mail, 'The Bench' will be released simultaneously in the US and UK. It will be published on June 8, 2021, by Random House Children's Books.
Theme
The Duchess of Sussex shared that the initial inspiration for the book came from a poem she wrote for Prince Harry on Father's Day 2019. The couple's son Archie was a little more than a month old at that time.
'The Bench' explores the bond between a father and a son as perceived through the eyes of a mother.
A rhythmic excerpt from the book reads as follows:
"This is your bench
Where you’ll witness great joy.
From here you will rest
See the growth of our boy."
In her public statement about the book, Meghan said, "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."
Illustration
The book has been illustrated by popular California-based artist Christian Robinson. One of the illustrations shows a red-haired soldier donning a US Army uniform. He is holding a baby boy high up in the air, while a mother can be seen crying tears of happiness while watching from a window.
This particular illustration is believed to be a reference to Prince Harry who had served in Afghanistan and has red hair.
How to buy and cost
Priced at $18.99, 'The Bench' can be availed from June 8 at different bookstores. You can also pre-order the book at Books A Million, to be delivered after June 8.
Alongside the hardcover copy of 'The Bench', an audiobook will also be read and released by the Duchess of Sussex costing $4.99.
Meghan's profits from the book
According to pop culture expert Nick Ede, Meghan Markle has been paid between $3,47,192 and $6,94,385 as a writing advance for the book.
Before Meghan, royal family members like Sarah, Duchess of York, and Princess Michael of Kent have also written books for children.