What a month it has been for Meghan Markle! Shortly after giving birth to Rivet Diana, the Duchess of Sussex released her first picture book, The Bench, which topped the New York Times bestseller list for picture books just one week after publication. Illustrated by Caldecott Award-winning artist Christian Robinson, the picture book celebrates the special bond between father and son and was dedicated by the Duchess to Prince Harry and Archie Harrison (opens in new tab).

On the Archie Well website, Princess Meghan shared a sweet message of thanks to supporters. She wrote, "The poem began as a love letter to my husband and son, but I was encouraged to see that the universal themes of love, expression, and inclusivity resonate with all communities." [In] many ways, the pursuit of a more compassionate and equitable world begins with these core values," she continued. 'Likewise, to portray another aspect of masculinity, one rooted in connection, emotion, and softness, is to exemplify the world that many of us would like our sons and daughters to see as well.' Thank you for supporting this special project."

In a press release last month (opens in new tab), Megan explained the inspiring origin of "Bench". 'The Bench began with a poem I wrote for my husband on Father's Day, the month after Archie was born. That poem became this story." [This expression was especially important to me, and Christian and I worked closely together to portray this special bond through an inclusive lens. Megan continued, "This expression was especially important to me, and Christian and I worked closely to portray this special bond through an inclusive lens."