Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex’s debut children’s book, The Bench, is #1 on The New York Times Bestseller list for children’s picture books after being released just last week. Congratulations to everyone involved in the project.

The Bench started as a Father’s Day poem for her husband, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and expanded into a children’s book with imagery that captures moments of love and shared experiences between a diverse group of fathers and sons. Alongside the Duchess’s words are watercolor illustrations by Christian Robinson that bring the gentleness and joy to life. 

“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. 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. Thank you for supporting me in this special project.” – Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex

The Bench was released on June 8 in partnership with Random House Children’s Books in the US, Tundra Books in Canada and Puffin in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa.