WATCH | Meghan Markle honours the father-son bond with new children's book inspired by her family

Meghan Markle is back in the spotlight again, but not for reasons you might think.

The Duchess of Sussex has released a children's book about the importance of the bond between father and son from her perspective as a mother.

The book, titled The Bench, was inspired by Meghan's husband, Prince Harry, and her son, Archie. In a statement, Markle said, "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."

The book is illustrated by American illustrator and animator Christian Robinson, who has received notable awards for multiple selected works. True to her activist nature, Markle paid special attention to the importance of inclusivity when writing her book.

Browse local children's stories in all official languages here.

"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," Meghan. 

Publishers Penguin Random House said in a statement that The Bench "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.

"The book will be released 8 June 2021, and Markle is set to narrate the audiobook for release in the UK, Canada and the US. 

Penguin Random House US and their various global imprints will also publish The Bench in the UK, New Zealand, India and South Africa."My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine," said The Duchess. 

Chatback:

Share your stories and questions with us via email at chatback@parent24.com. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

Don't miss a story!

For a weekly wrap of our latest parenting news and advice sign up to our free Friday Parent24 newsletter.

Follow us, and chat, on Facebook and Twitter.