Meghan Markle slammed for use of royal title on new book

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Meghan announced this week that her children’s book, ‘The Bench’, will tell the story of the special bond between father and son, and confirmed that it was inspired by Archie’s relationship with Prince Harry “as seen through a mother’s eyes”. The book was based on a poem the Duchess wrote for her husband a month after Archie was born, and was illustrated by Californian artist Christian Robinson. The fictional piece will be Meghan’s literary debut — she noted in a statement: “My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine.”

Meghan and Harry’s venture, Archewell, mentioned the news on its website — but it appeared under its “news” section, rather than any of the vehicle’s three main branches; the charitable foundation, the podcast series or its Netflix productions.

Royal fan account, @RoyalTea, tweeted: “What’s interesting about Meghan’s book is that it’s one of the first projects they are doing that doesn’t have a charitable or altruistic angle.”

Although the couple signed a lucrative deal with Spotify in the last year, the Sussexes promised they would “build community through shared experiences, powerful narratives and universal values” with the Archewell Audio podcast.

Similarly, the Sussexes’ first production with Netflix will be focused on Harry’s international sporting event the Invictus Games, which “will showcase powerful stories of resilience and hope from competitors”.

The couple did not list the book under the charitable branch of their new vehicle, Archewell Foundation, suggesting they may not be giving the proceeds to charity either.

This contrasts with the other most recent royal book, ‘Hold Still’, by Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, which explains that the proceeds will be shared between the mental health charity Mind and the National Portrait Gallery.

Meghan’s book is also a much more personal affair, which will lift the lid on their family life.

According to royal commentator Camilla Tominey, Meghan received an advance “of between £250,000 and £500,000” for her book.

@RoyalTea continued: “I don’t think everything they do needs to be about a cause, but I’m curious to see how she will promote something purely commercial.

Meghan Markle reads ‘Duck! Rabbit!’ for Archie's birthday

“I wonder if she will make the typical rounds for an author with virtual talk show appearances, interviews, etc.

“It will probably sell really well regardless, just with the Father’s Day timing and her name recognition, but it has the potential to be an even bigger money maker.”

The account added that the Sussexes will be able to promote the book at the organic opportunity presented by Archie’s birthday.

Meghan did announce the book days before Archie turned two, and is expected to read The Bench to her son to mark the special occasion on video.

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The Duchess set up this format last year, when she released a short video to celebrate Archie’s first birthday of the two of them reading ‘Duck! Rabbit!’ together in honour of Save The Children UK.

The couple are also set to welcome their second child, a girl, in the coming weeks, making the topic of fatherhood even more applicable.

However, the personal book is likely to raise some eyebrows among the Sussexes’ critics, as it was thought they wanted to leave the Royal Family for greater privacy.

Ms Tominey also pointed out how the topic of fatherhood is a particularly interesting one for the Duchess of Sussex to choose, given her estranged relationship with Thomas Markle.

Harry is thought to have a strained relationship with his father Prince Charles at the moment as well, following his royal exit and his bold accusations towards the Prince of Wales during the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Writing in The Telegraph, Ms Tominey said: “Opinions will be divided on whether this represents the literary waving of a white flag across the pond — or an act of dramatised defiance.”

She concluded: “It remains to be seen whether putting pen to paper will be enough to heal their own family troubles and persuade Meghan and Harry to take their own fatherly relationships off the bench.”

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