Meghan Markle has written her first children’s book called “The Bench,” which will be published on June 8.
The book will explore the special bond between a father and son, as seen through a mother’s eyes. Said to be inspired by the relationship between her husband Prince Harry and their son Archie, Markle’s publishing 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,” according to the release. Markle will also narrate an audiobook edition of “The Bench,” which will be released in the U.S. and Canada by Listening Library.
The children’s book is illustrated by Christian Robinson, who works in watercolor for the first time in order to “bring joy and softness to the pages.” Barbara Marcus, president and publisher of Random House Children’s Books, will publish “The Bench” in the U.S, while Tundra Books will publish the book in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa.
Last fall, Markle and Prince Harry signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, feature films, scripted television shows and children’s series. Their first project will be a docuseries on the Invictus Games, a global adaptive sports competition that Prince Harry founded in 2014. “Heart of Invictus” will follow a group of service members who experienced life-changing injuries or illnesses training for the Invictus Games’ The Hague 2020, which was delayed until 2022 due to the pandemic. Prince Harry will also appear on camera in the series.