Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex’s debut children’s book entitled The Bench, which is inspired by the relationship between her husband and son, Prince Harry and Archie, will be published next month.
The beautifully illustrated hardcover book which is based on the special bond between father and son—as seen through a mother’s eyes will be available to buy from 8 June 2021, just in time for Father’s Day on 20 June in the UK.
The Duchess of Sussex’s book, which is aimed at three- to seven-year-olds, is described as depicting the evolving and expanding relationship between fathers and sons and will remind us of the many ways that love can take shape and be expressed in a modern family.
“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.” says Meghan.
The Bench is illustrated by Caldecott-winning and bestselling artist Christian Robinson, who happens to be Black. Christian is said to have expanded on his signature style, working in watercolour for the first time, to bring joy and softness to the pages, reflecting the beauty of a father’s love through a mother’s eyes.
Image credit: Penguin Random House
Speaking about the illustrations and Christian’s work, Meghan said: “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 Bench is the latest book-related project from Meghan, who together with her young family moved to the US last year from where she and Prince Harry gave THAT interview to Oprah earlier this spring. Last year, Meghan lent her support and provided a foreword to Together, a community cookbook from the Hubb Community Kitchen to help raise money for Grenfell families struggling during the pandemic.
Meghan will narrate the audiobook edition of the book, which will be released in the UK by Penguin Random House.
Pre-order The Bench here.
Image of Duchess of Sussex used: Credit CBS
