Meghan is set to publish a children's book about father-son relationships, as seen through the eyes of mothers. The Bench will be published on 8 June and is said to be inspired by the bond between her husband Prince Harry and their son Archie.
Penguin Random House Canada imprint Tundra Books will release it simultaneously in Canada, with Penguin Random House Children’s UK imprint Puffin publishing the 40-page book in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa. The book, aimed at kids ages three through seven.
"The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born," said Meghan in a statement. "That poem became this story. Christian layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolor 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 story will be accompanied by images from the award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson. The duchess will also voice an audio version of her book.
The publishers, Penguin Random House, said the book aimed to evoke "a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion".
They added: "It gives readers a window into shared and enduring moments between a diverse group of fathers and sons - moments of peace and reflection, trust and belief, discovery and learning, and lasting comfort."
