Meghan Markle Breaks Silence During Maternity Leave to Celebrate Her Children’s Book’s Success

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed a daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, on June 4. Four days later, on June 8, Meghan released a children’s book, The Bench. The duchess was (understandably) a little busy during the past week, when the book reached the No. 1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list for children’s books.

On Wednesday, she posted a thank-you note to the Archewell website, which read:

“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.”

As the site notes, The Bench was published in partnership with Random House Children’s Books in the U.S., Tundra Books in Canada and Puffin in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa.

The book was illustrated by Christin Robinson.

“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,“ Meghan stated in the press release, per People. “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.”

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