Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Announces Her Debut Children's Book, “The Bench”

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, has authored her first children’s book, The Bench (which will be released on June 8), about the special bond between father and son—as seen through a mother’s eyes. Inspired by her own husband and son, The Duchess of Sussex’s debut 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.

Evoking a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion, The Bench 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.  

Paired with The Duchess’s words, illustrator Christian Robinson expands on his signature style, working in watercolor 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.  

“The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born,” The Duchess said 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 Bench will be published by Random House Children’s Books in the U.S. The title will be published simultaneously by Tundra Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada, and Puffin, an imprint of Penguin Random House Children’s UK in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa.