[News] Meghan Markle writes sentimental children’s book about sons’ relationship with their fathers inspired by Harry and Archie

Meghan Markle has written a sentimental children’s book about sons’ relationships with their fathers.

The Duchess of Sussex’s book is titled The Bench. She says it was inspired by her husband Prince Harry’s bond with their son Archie, who turns two tomorrow, May 6.

She said the 40-page book, illustrated by Pixar artist Christian Robinson, grew out of a poem she wrote for Harry a month after the birth of their son.

Meghan, 39, who will also voice the audio book when it is released next month, said: “That poem became this story.

“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 make-up, as much as it does with mine.”

The book includes an illustration of Harry as a soldier lifting up his son Archie while a representation of Meghan looks at them through a window with tears in her eyes.

The words on the page reads: “Looking out at My Love and our beautiful boy… And here in the window I’ll have tears of joy…”

Publisher Penguin Random House said the £12.99 book “touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between fathers and sons”.

It said it “gives readers a window into shared and enduring moments between a diverse group of fathers and sons”.

However, it comes at a time when Meghan and Harry’s relationships with their own fathers are strained.

Meghan hasn’t spoken to her father in three years and they were even embroiled in a court case. Harry also recently opened up about being cut off financially by his father.

Royal biographer Penny Junor said: “It’s very easy to talk about relationships between fathers and sons when they are two years old.

“But problems come when the children are older — as Meghan found out with her father and Harry with Prince Charles.

“So it is an odd thing to have done.

“She is on dodgy ground because of her relationship with her father and Harry with his.

“But it is also a very schmaltzy book by the sounds of it.”