Meghan Markle celebrates ‘The Bench’ for showing ‘another side of masculinity’

Meghan Markle is many things: The Duchess of Sussex. A wife and mother of two. A feminist and activist. And now, a best-selling children’s author.

Meghan, who recently delivered her second child , has written her first children’s book. “The Bench” is about the special relationship between a father and son—as seen from a mother’s perspective. The story was inspired by Markle’s husband, Prince Harry, and his bond with their son, Archie.

“The Bench” has already reached No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list. Reflecting on the book’s success, Meghan thanked fans for their support on the Archewell website .

“While this poem began as a love letter to my husband and son, I’m encouraged to see that its universal themes of love, representation and inclusivity are resonating with communities everywhere. In many ways, pursuing a more compassionate and equitable world begins with these core values. Equally, to depict another side of masculinity—one grounded in connection, emotion, and softness—is to model a world that so many would like to see for their sons and daughters alike. Thank you for supporting me in this special project.”

For Prince Harry’s first Father’s Day, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, got him a bench. And on a plaque on the back… https://t.co/WEzxpRGble

— NPR (@NPR) 1624295791.0

Originally written as a gift for her husband, Meghan dedicated “The Bench” to Harry and Archie, writing, “For the man and the boy who make my heart go pump–pump.”

Meghan, who gave birth to the couple’s second child, daughter Lilibet Diana on June 4 ^th , says the book has taken on a new meaning now that she can show it to Archie.

“Archie loves the book, which is great. He has a voracious appetite for books and constantly when you read him a book goes ‘again, again, again,’ ” Meghan said in an interview with NPR this week. “Now the fact that he loves ‘The Bench’ and we can say ‘mommy wrote this for you,’ that feels amazing.”

Though the book began as a gift for Prince Harry, Meghan says she views it as “a love story” and she hopes that it resonates with families around the world.

“It’s really just about growing with someone and having this deep connection and this trust so that, be at good times or bad, you know that you had this person,” she told NPR. “I really hope that people can see this as a love story that transcends the story of my family.”

If you’re wondering, Markle plans to narrate the audiobook. We can’t wait to hear this story, especially in her voice.

“The Bench” is illustrated by Christian Robinson. Robinson has earned a Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for his art in “Last Stop on Market Street.” Robinson has also worked with the Sesame Street Workshop and Pixar Animation Studios.

“The Bench” is now available and can be purchased below!

The Bench by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex

Random House Books for Young Readers

$18.99

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[Editor’s note: This piece has been updated to reflect the book’s release.]