Meghan Markle Thanks Readers Of Her Bestseller 'The Bench,' As She Says It's 'A Love Letter To My Husband And Son'

Jun 18, 2021 by apost team

Ever since marrying Prince Harry in an elaborate ceremony in May 2018, Meghan Markle has been a permanent fixture in the press. This is despite the fact that the couple stepped down from their royal titles in 2020 and have chosen to be independent, which means not being financially supported by the monarchy.

The question of how they would earn money to live was discussed widely, but ever since they've proven with the various jobs they've taken on — everything from a TV series with Oprah that covers mental health to a podcast deal — that they're more than ready for life after the monarchy. 

What's more, despite being best known for her role in the TV series "Suits," in which Markle appeared in seven seasons out of the show's total nine, the former actress actually had a wide-ranging career outside of the show, including everything from acting and fashion to calligraphy and being a lifestyle influencer. Now Markle can add being an author to that list too, with her first children's book titled "The Bench" released on June 8. Instantly, the book became a #1 New York Times bestseller, proving that her talents lie in much more than just acting. 

Addressing the book's success on her and Harry's website for the Archewell Foundation, Markle enlightened fans about how the book came to be, revealing that it was created specifically for her husband and son. She thanks all of her readers and leaves a moving message about how she hopes it brings more compassion and equity to the world.

Released on June 8 in various countries around the world including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa, "The Bench" is a children's picture book that was written by Meghan Markle and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Instantly, the book topped America's children's picture book bestseller list, prompting Markle to write a personal note to her readers and thank them for supporting her debut book.

Posted to the Archewell Foundation website, the note reveals that the book began as a Father's Day poem that was written for Prince Harry. It then expanded into a children's book with watercolor illustrations by Robinson that capture "moments of love and shared experiences between a diverse group of fathers and sons." Markle wrote herself:

“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."

She goes on to discuss how "The Bench" helps to show an alternate side of masculinity:

"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."

She ends her message with, "Thank you for supporting me in this special project." It's wonderful that such a personal story has grown to become an international bestselling book that'll inspire countless others.

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Illustrated by Robinson — who is a Caldecott Medal-winning artist — in beautiful nature-themed watercolor images, the pictures even depict the Sussexes themselves. In one image Harry and Archie feed chickens at the family's Montecito, California home, while in another a woman who appears to be Markle is holding a baby in a sling, likely a nod to the couple's newborn daughter Lilibet Diana. 

The illustrations in "The Bench" are a real highlight of the book, depicting fathers from around the world and from all walks of life spending time with their sons. In the book's press release, as reported by Vanity Fair, Markle states that the drawings "capture the warmth, joy, and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life." She elaborates:

"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 book's dedication is to, "the man and the boy who make my heart go pump-pump." Furthermore, Vanity Fair reports that the book showcases the "special relationship between father and son, as seen through a mother's eyes." What's interesting is that Prince Harry has been vocal about the lack of emotional connection he had with his father Prince Charles, while Markle has also struggled in her relationship with her father, so perhaps "The Bench" depicts the way in which they want to raise their children.

The Sussexes have made compassion a major focus of the charitable work that they do and "The Bench" only adds to that narrative. The gentle, family-oriented storyline of the children's book sends a powerful message to parents and children the world over.

What do you think about Meghan Markle's debut book "The Bench"? If you found this article moving then be sure to pass it on to those you think will appreciate it too.