For more than a year, British commentators have been in their feelings about the possibility that the Duchess of Sussex would get some kind of book contract. Multiple commentators have brought up the idea of Meghan writing a memoir or some kind of juicy tell-all. I’m not saying that will never happen, but I don’t think that will happen right now or in the immediate future. For now, Meghan IS getting into publishing, but it’s not a memoir or anything like that. She’s just written a children’s book called The Bench. Keeping on brand with everything about Meghan, she’s only announced the book after she completed it, had it illustrated and got it ready for publication in time for Father’s Day.
Meghan Markle is about to be a published author. On Tuesday, the Duchess of Sussex announced that her first children’s book, The Bench — which explores the bond between fathers and sons as seen through a mother’s eyes — will be published on June 8.
In a press release, Meghan explained that the book was inspired by a Father’s Day poem she wrote for her husband, Prince Harry. The couple are parents to son Archie, who turns 2 on Thursday, and are expecting a baby girl this summer.
“The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born,” Meghan said in the press release from publisher Random House Children’s Books. “That poem became this story.”
The book is illustrated by Caldecott-winning artist Christian Robinson. The book jacket features an image of a bench beneath a tree, with chickens nearby. In the press release, Meghan is described as “a mother, wife, feminist, and activist” who “currently resides in her home state of California with her family, two dogs, and a growing flock of rescue chickens.”
“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,” Meghan said. “My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine.”
An interior illustration from the book depicts a father in military uniform warmly greeting his son. Harry, a military veteran, served as a captain in the British Army. Another illustration showcases a father sitting with his son under a tree featuring the words “From here you will rest. See the growth of our boy.”
You know damn well that if this involved The Other Brother or Lynchpin Guevara, they would have needed to announce their plans to be keen about writing a book for at least ten years. But here’s Meghan with the entire project completed and being printed right now. Speaking of, once the news came out and people realized they could pre-order it on Penguin Random House’s site, suddenly there were all kinds of back orders and whatnot. I think the book is completely sold out right now? Meghan and the Sussex Squad are going to revitalize the children’s literature industry. Penguin better make more copies! The book isn’t even available for pre-order on Amazon yet but just wait!
As for the release date… it’s obviously timed for Father’s Day, but I wonder if she’s looking to knock out some advanced promotion over the next month, ahead of her presumed due date in June. Gayle King needs to interview her! And I hope she gives some magazine interviews too, maybe American Vogue and Elle or Harper’s Bazaar (Omid). And no, the release date doesn’t fall on Trooping the Colour, I looked. Trooping is on June 12th this year.
Duchess Meghan has written her first children’s book, The Bench, about the special bond between father and son—as seen through a mother’s eyes. It’s out June 8 and is inspired by Prince Harry and Archie’s close relationship. The book is illustrated by Christian Robinson. pic.twitter.com/E2633kGCAA
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) May 4, 2021
Photos courtesy of social media, Backgrid.
And not a single leak!
The book looks so lovely and I’m so happy Christian Robinson was picked as illustrator. There’s still so little diversity in book publishing and his illustrations look so beautiful.
And yet several white authors were attacking her for daring to take up space! They should really stop and listen to what they’re saying. Their hypocrisy is also showing because royals within and outside Britain have also written children’s books and other books. Where’s their energy for that?
*rolls eyes* – yes, it has been done before by other ex-royals without the fuss – most notably by Fergie with her Budgie the Helicopter series. Author stamp on the front of those is “HRH The Duchess of York” and they were apparently ‘inspired’ by Prince Andrew being a helicopter pilot and written to help dig her out of debt post divorce and toe-sucking affair scandals.
There can definitely be a conversation on about how celebrities get into making children’s books cause it’s easy and cute (see Channing Tatum going around in tutus and Kristen bells purple people thing) but I’m guessing a lot of those same authors didn’t have as much energy for them.
@Lara and that’s how proper criticism is done. Too bad they’re not capable of it.
So how was Fergie allowed to put HRH on her books?
I saw that last night and was so ANNOYED at their mentality. I asked one book editor–who claimed she was not attacking Meghan, but that she feels celebrity books should not be welcomed and take shelf space away from other authors–why is there no room for new authors? Like, why this mentality that the published books that already exist are the last remaining gospel and nobody else can put out anything new. These people can’t even hear themselves.
Princess Michael, anyone? Plus she uses the HRH.
There’s an entire segment of publishing devoted to celebrity writers. No one is being overlooked because Meghan’s book was accepted for publication. Lord, what fools these racists be.
Something like the musicians mad that they have a Spotify deal. Just cause Megan is making money doesn’t mean that money would go to anyone else if she wasn’t.
That was so disappointing to see. As a reader, I don’t care if a celebrity writes a book. I don’t care if they are black or white. I only care if this will be a book I can connect with. I ordered this book because my husband has a very close relationship with our boys. I think they will enjoy it. These authors really disappointed me. If these authors think other authors need to be heard then promote them on twitter and Instagram. But, we all know why they are so triggered.
I am glad to see how well this book is doing. This is just like British Vogue. These haters give her more power.
As a writer, I do find celebrity book contracts depressing, BUT it’s highly unlikely Meghan is taking up space from me or any other writer. The first love of any publisher is an author with a built in audience platform, real world fame preferred, social media fame next best because those drive sales–and also allow publishers a cushion to take a chance on other lesser known writers. After that, it’s what connections do you have (the lesser known writers still have connections)? Writers “off the streets” with a publishing house who haven’t first self-published and acted as their own marketing guru are quite rare these days. That’s not Meghan. That’s the existing publishing model.
The question to those authors is simple. If Meghan had not written a book would your circumstances be different? The answer is NO. Seriously if anyone believes their success was dependent on Meghan not writing a book something in their brain is really off.
Fergie’s first few books were published while she was still a working royal, using HRH and The Duchess of York as author name. Budgie the Helicopter (1989). Budgie and the Blizzard (1991). Budgie at Bendick’s Point (1989). Budgie Goes to Sea (1992). Victoria And Albert A Family Life at Osborne House (1991). Their separation wasn’t announced until March of 1992.
Me too! I love that she used the project as yet another platform to give an opportunity to another talented black creative. Go Duchess Meg!
Don’t forget that the Artist was already “award winning” for illustrating previous books.
She looks for excellence, and has no problem sharing success.
Eeeeeh The Sun talked about this book more than a year ago.
They talked about a book for dogs coming out. This is not a book about dogs (well they might feature but they don’t seem to be the main part, which is what The Sun was saying).
about this book? I guess any book will do it!
some people…….
She probably had a book deal when she put the cookbook out. The same publishing house is doing this children’s book. She may have mentioned about doing a children’s book when she was at KP and they leaked it. She may have wanted to do a book on dogs but changed her mind. Usually a book deal is 3 books.
I know….not a single leak!!!
I pre-order a kindle version and a few hardcover copies which I will gift to friends…..the more they try to shit on her, the more successful she will become. This woman has completely annihilated any news coming from the rf.
I have never seen so many people in the “press” of a country so hellbent on destroying a couple! especially a couple not running for office; there is no justification to talk about them over and over and over again!
I will buy a few more copies just to piss some people off!
I preordered it on Amazon yesterday. You can get it Kindle, Hardcover, or Audio. All I can say is ….You go girl! I love how the Sussexes always have their ducks in a row when they reveal something. Instead of Lamebridge method of spending years talking about it, researching it, then releasing some lame-ass, deflated nothing-burger of a result that benefits no one.
Does anyone know if Meghan is narrating the audio version? I would love that.
@lorelei yes I read that she is narrating the book herself.
It is available on Amazon! I preordered yesterday from there.
This book looks lovely, we love “Last Stop on Market Street” which is also illustrated by Christian Robinson.
I love how last year we got Meghan reading to Archie for his bday and this year we get a book about the love between a father and son.
The salty gatekeeping around this is ridiculous – how Meghan is “taking space” away from a “deserving” author. Such salty tears.
Meghan breathing is taking up oxygen from “deserving” others according to that bunch. They can choke on their salty tears.
Is it far fetched to assume that Catherine Middleton hired a ghost writer upon hearing the news and is now preparing her own children’s book to be released for Christmas, and that William will be discussing, with his counsel, ways to better stage and emphasize his commitment to fatherhood? I presume Duchess Meghan’s book will be answered shortly by the opposite party.
I didn’t know Christian’s work and I am so pleased she worked with a Black Man…..second reason why I am supporting this!
I am sure the book will be a success; the #SussexSquad is a huge force…..some in the uk underestimated the amount of support Meghan will generate! it is as if they learned nothing from the Diana’s years
The more you unnecessarily shit on someone, the more support that person will attract. Very few people like to see unfairness
It’s the same as with the musicians, authors and musicians who are “deserving” can always find a publisher and audience.
Thank you for the Amazon tip! I just ordered a hardcover copy myself.
I love that Meghan is expanding on her literacy initiatives. Fun fact, Meghans sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, partners with Reading is Fundamental for their Reading is Key program. I can definitely see Meghan donating copies of her book to RIF or doing something that helps either RIF or a similar organization that aims to help literacy equity.
Even though my kids are a bit older, I just pre-ordered a hardcover copy on Amazon. Anything to support Meghan who is championing an illustrator of color with this book. These harpies can STFU with their nonsense. The illustrator is getting a big boost from this and he’s just as deserving as any other “unknown” (read: white) author.
@Becks1 – we also have and love “Last Stop on Market Street.” 🙂 I love that Meghan chose Robinson as illustrator. Heading over to Amazon now to preorder!
I know that im just a nobody on the internet but I sincerely hope she keeps every penny she makes of this book. She said she was going to be financially independent, and they need to let her do just that
@Cecilia: I think if the profits were going to charity it would have been included in the announcement. So I’m thinking she’s keeping the money as she should.
This is amazing, on so many levels. I’m so tickled, not just from a Meghan-is-awesome way but also because I’m a boy-mum.
I just love this. She is authentically amazing and just keeps winning. It’s so great to see the good guys doing so well.
Living well is the best revenge.
After Elephant and December’s Spotify episode, I’ve been eagerly anticipating an audio-anything from Meghan. So, the book will be for my son and the audio version will be for me.
I was going to say the same thing. I hope The Sussexes begin putting out regular podcasts very soon. A podcast would be the perfect venue for Meghan to interview the illustrator of the book.
@Myra, same! I ordered the hardcover for my son, but I’ll be the one using Meghan’s soothing voice to help me fall asleep at night!
This looks like a lovely book and the illustrator has his own inspiring story. Beautifully done and not a leak in sight. Que Kate doing Zooms from a bench in 3…2…1
Ha! Remember how last summer Harry and Meghan did a few zooms or recorded appearances etc from a bench? and then the Cambridges released a video (maybe just the attenborough one?) where they were on a bench and we all thought, “huh, that’s kind of funny, a bench is just a bench but they are such copycats…..” but we didnt want to come out and say they were directly copying the Sussexes…..
After seeing their zoom room that matches the Sussexes, i’m pretty sure we can say the bench was a total copy move.
The bench in her yard was the first thing I thought of. 🙂
First they hate, then they copy. The Duchess is the blueprint.
@Myra What’s funny is that Salty Isle citizens are having trouble with how to approach this book. Is Meghan copying other royals by doing a children’s book? Is she wrong for using her title on the cover even though other royals have done this? Is she unroyal for becoming a published author? If so, what does that mean for the other royals?
Now, they are crying about how she copied another children’s book author even though it’s pretty obvious her story is original.
What will be the next play for Team Keen? Will they produce anything themselves?
Yes, it’s almost borderline creepy they way they keep copying the Sussex themes.
I thought it was Just a fluke at first…
No they are deliberately doing it.
I’m sorry but it will be absolutely HILARIOUS if Kate announces she’s also writing a children’s book in the next few months
This is cute! I forgot Father’s Day was so soon, it won’t be out in time for Father’s Day in the US but probably abroad? I don’t have any kids are know anyone with small children so I’ll have sit this out, not that it matters since it looks like all the pre-orders are sold out 🤣
Fathers Day in the US is the third Sunday in June. So it will be out in time for that.
Father’s day is June 20 in the US, so it will be released just before then.
You can pre-order on Amazon — I just did. My kids have pretty much aged out of this but my older daughter loves Meghan so I’m still going to give it to her anyway.
There was an independent book store called Bluebird Books mentioning that they didn’t get that many orders at the time , so if anyone wants to go that route they are worth checking out.
They don’t ship outside of the US though.
Yeah I saw that after I preordered and was kicking myself, but I might go ahead and order another copy, or cancel my amazon order.
@Nic919 great idea to support an independent bookstore! Wish I had known that before I did Amazon.
I use Amazon way more than I should. And now that my son is really starting to ask questions about why I dislike it so much, it’s getting harder and harder to justify using them so much.
“But they just make it so easy!!” is not a lesson I want to teach my kid, but it’s the truth :/
The uproar in the BM was a sight to behold yesterday. Piers Morgan has lost the plot. Today they’ve found another seemingly similar book and bashing Meghan for her work. I am hoping for her sake, the similarity stops with the title. 🙁 Rooting for her.
The book is not even out yet so how can they make comparisons, lol? Stay salty folks!
I checked some details about that book and it is apparently about a kid overcoming his fears or insecurities, while it seems that the Meghan book is more about love between father and son.
The trolls are unhinged.
That’s a universal theme though. Anyway logic doesn’t fly on that island, somehow.
@Alexandria …. some hate H&M so much that they have lost all reason! I will support Meghan….I should probably buy a few dozens and donate them! the Obamas had to suffer through the same BS (this is why Michelle disappointed me so recently with her comments), Serena suffers from the same nonsense… and the list continues
Racism/Envy/jealousy/sexism/misogynoir are disease….
That book they were trying to compare it to was a shy child at the park, it was about making friends. The only similarity was a bench and a dad. Certainly no where near the serious charges they were throwing out on the internet.
What? Sure she totally plagarized a book now (not sarcasm directed at you). The DM and Piers are insane.
I saw that the author of the book that they threw out there has posted that there are no similarities. I don’t think she knew what hit until her book was being used to target Meghans book. I ordered her book also, no one should be dragged into someone else’s hate.
I went to see what the fuss is about. You can find that book on youtube if you want to check it out. From the description, and as another commentator has stated before; the style is different completely and so is the subject. I’m assuming that apart from the bench itself there are no other similarities. Especially if you notice the father in this book – he’s on a computer in a park, working, just asking the boy if he wants to go and play. Yet Meghan’s is another subject. DM and others are just milking any Meghan story cause, you know, clicks. Also, pretty sure publishers, agents, Meghan herself did their title research. But haters gonna hate.
The author of the book you’re referring to as responded on Twitter:
“Reading the description and published excerpt of the Duchess’s new book, this is not the same story or the same theme as The Boy on the Bench. I don’t see any similarities.”
I love how the author has to shut down the trolls. Of course, they won’t listen. They’re foaming at the mouth as we speak.
Good for her. Maybe all the attention will up her book sales as well so there may be a silver lining in the hate.
Honestly I think any children’s book you pick out you will find another similar book. Especially one aimed at early years (we don’t use that phrase here but I am using it intentionally).
LMAO, I love that the author of the other book immediately tweeted that she saw no similarities; she shut down that attack fast. I hope everyone who cried “plagiarism” feels like an idiot now, but it’s doubtful.
I feel like a tiny silver lining to things like this happening is that a wider audience of people, not just royal-watchers like us, but people who don’t follow the royals at all and only have a vague idea who the Sussexes even are, if anything— actually get to see the vitriol that Meghan is subjected to constantly. They generally come away shocked and horrified, asking what on earth she ever did to deserve this. Today it’s the publishing industry’s chance to see the filth she receives.
Each time it happens, more people’s eyes are opened and Meghan gains new fans, just because of how disgusted people are to see how she’s treated.
I pre-ordered the hardcover and the digital one! I’m so proud of Meg! Literally crying happy tears! She’s also working with a young and talented illustrator and I’m glad the book is going to be inclusive… Thanks to the bitter Karens and shutter island, the book is sold out in many places…Can’t wait for her to get that best-selling author title!
Her projects are always so well thought out, from beginning to end. I adore the fact that the world found out when it was supposed to, and not a second before.
I agree! She seems to not only hit but LEAD the zeitgeist. Despite the ridiculous UK press, every one of her projects really is flawless.
This is a lovely idea and I made an “awwwww” sound when I heard it. This is very much in Meghan’s wheelhouse. I know people don’t like the purple prose (and I get why but also don’t get why some people seem so repulsed by it. If it’s not your style or you don’t like it, that’s fine but some reactions can be a bit over the top, especially when you consider the type of things she’s writing) of Meghan’s writing but I think for a children’s book it’ll work quite well.
I’m one of the people who doesn’t love her (imo) overly flowery prose, but I just pre-ordered a copy, because I like her enough to want her to succeed in everything she does, my own opinion aside. Besides, her writing style is such a small thing, and 100% subjective, so I also don’t understand why some people lose their minds over it. It’s not my taste, but that has nothing to do with how much I admire everything else about her.
This is why I can’t stand when someone here on CB says, “I love Meghan, but…” and immediately get jumped on by people claiming the original commenter couldn’t possibly like her if there’s a “but” following it. Because it really IS possible to love her but not think she’s absolutely perfect in every single way. We exist!
Besides, debates about stuff like this only make her more interesting, imo. As we’ve seen from Kate, someone who tries so hard to be flawless at all times for decades on end and never wants to risk “putting a foot wrong” ends up being incredibly boring. JMO!
Meghan gets things done. Lol. How American of her to achieve without the benefit of pie charts.
LOL! So true.
I like that Meghan never announced that she had a book deal. I bet Harry has one too. As for the no leaking, it further confirms that there is an invisible contract between the Royal Family and the press because if she was still a working royal this information would have been leaked months ago.
No leaks, she just drops a project when it’s done. It’s very Beyoncé and it’s a testament of not only Meghan’s work ethic but her power. Not many people can drop a “surprise” project with no advanced promotion and it ends up flying off the shelves. The royals need the months of hype for their work because they just don’t have that kind of clout. It must kill them every time H&M drop news like this, while also sucking up all of the media attention.
I wonder how long before people start guessing how much the book deal is worth. This could tie in to their work for Netflix as well. In the announcement of that deal H&M said they were going to produce children’s programming. This would be so perfect for that. A show based off of this book showing different types of father/son relationships.
Please see the CB post about Meghan writing other books to answer your question about how long before they start guessing about the $$, lol.
@Becks1 Lol. Do I even want to look?
I LOVE CHILDREN BOOK.
I am re-reading Mantel’s quote “I think that Meghan was too good to be true. She was a smiling face in a dull institution”.
The Cambridge and the all the Royals put together could never understand these two, and they will try to destroy them again.
I love that it’s a father-son themed book. It’s one of the topics that is so so important, but pushed the most to the side.
Preordered my copy, and a lot of sites that offer the book sold out within hours. There still were some sites where it is available. (Plan to purchase and donate many copies of the book from a local retail book store when it comes out)
The talented artist alone is reason to buy it, but Meghan has proven herself to be a talented writer on her own merit.
Saying that, she is getting hate and again being vilified by authors and seems like every idiot with internet and a social media account. Morgan being one of the nastiest.
I don’t get it, if you don’t like her book fine don’t buy it. It says a lot about all the critics and nasty comments when the book has yet to be released! They is no question that they are “judging a book by the color of the authors skin!”
The light will drive out the dark though. Those folks would be better off saying nothing because their vitriol will only help drive more sales. Just ask Omid about that, lol.
Same way they prejudged the Oprah interview by putting out “reviews” of a show that hadn’t aired (no “advanced” screenings were held for RotaRats, that’s for sure!).
Salty Whingers gonna whinge. Racists are gonna hate. Water is wet.
And the public would never have know except for the YouTube video exposing them all! I truthfully can not believe any of them are still employed.
I’m excited for Meghan and her adding author to her resume. I’m hoping for great success in this endeavor and that it’s message is a bright light. I’m excited for Christian Robinson’s work receiving more exposure.
Wasn’t the Grenfell Cookbook her first endeavor? I’m sure she wrote the introduction to that. And again, it was completed before we heard a word about it.
I honestly thought about you Kaiser, the second I read the announcement. Pretty sure you have mentioned her possibly writing a childrens’s book sometime. You’re really get her brand and mindset, it’s funny how you basically conjured this into existence. Burn the witches haha!
Harry really chose well. There is more to choosing a partner than just going by superficial traits.
There’s a Father’s Day gift taken care of!
The sample prose does look a little saccharine, but that was on a page where presumably an active duty soldier has come home on leave, which merits some deep feelings! I used to tear up at all those videos of kids getting surprised when their military parent suddenly comes home. And those kind of sweet books actually sound great when you read them aloud to a child. And as PP said, the father-son bond doesn’t get enough attention. My husband is tired of all the books being about Mommy.
Can we take a moment and remember Pippa Tips?! A high watermark for this site.
Oh Pippa Tips! “If one wishes to become a children’s author, it’s a good idea to write a book for children!”
If one wishes to live, it’s a good idea to eat food several times a day!
@Shawna this reminds me of that commercial that always runs around the holidays — I think it’s for instant coffee? — where a soldier comes home and surprises his mom in the kitchen. I cry *every* time!
Not Meghan doing more for early years than Kate ever did. Without endless polls and announcements.
She’ll be attacked for this but if Keens published children’s books they would be praised for years to come
The BM’s hate for Meghan’s book is funny because they had nothing by praise for Kate’s coffee table book that she had nothing to with. She just slapped her name on a forward and that was it. And what happened with that? Nothing it seems. I said at the time that if Meghan released a book it would sell out in minutes and here we are. The BM is just mad that everything H&M do is successful, while they have to make up fake success for the Keens. You get what you pay for. Oh well.
The fact that it’s a children’s book must have Kate SO MAD that she didn’t think of it first, lol.
Although I wouldn’t be shocked if someone on her team *had* thought of it, considering we’re meant to believe that Kate is more passionate about “Early Years” than anyone has ever been about anything ever, and suggested it to her, but the thought of having to do any promotion for it made Kate summarily dismiss the idea.
The BM is throwing hissy fits because its smear campaign hasn’t made Meghan radioactive with other businesses and organizations. The book is mentioned in major US papers; Forbes Magazine mentioned it and CBS This Morning (breakfast TV) gave it a shoutout. It has already sold out. Somewhere Scammy is seething because a legitimate publisher is doing Meghan’s book ( when TOD had to self publish) and will most likely outsell her hit piece of a “book”.
I actually posted a review about her book on GR (Scammy) and her father and I think a few other people that are unhinged about Meghan commented on so many reviewers attacking them. GR didn’t do a blessed thing about it.
The BM is still — and this has been a looong and painful process, lol — trying (without much success) to accept *just* how much they’d overestimated their importance, globally. These people honestly believe that they have SO much more influence than they actually do. It’s truly very funny to watch; many are still in complete denial and will never admit it, only continue to blame Meghan for everything until they’re on their deathbeds.
What I wonder is what on earth made them think that their opinions were so crucial and far-reaching in the first place??
The level of meltdown people are having over A CHILDREN’S BOOK… those people need to take up golf. Or knitting. Seriously, they need hobbies.
They need therapy.
She is winning and I am so loving it. Good for this incredible woman,you do you. They can keep blowing smoke up their Asses.
Emmm kate should copy meghan and write a book and the title is “The Log : a story about a princess who invented a seat made of log to gaze the stars”.
LOL
Heehee. Or, a book called The Straw Bale about a couple sitting on a bale of straw while visiting sheep without their children and reaching into the air trying to grasp that last straw.
It really is amazing how little promotion their team needs to do for her. All they did was ome press release on the Archewell site and this story has been picked up on pretty much ever continent. The book is currently #1 on Amazon UK bestseller’s children books list and #1 on Amazon’s All Genre Movers and Shakers list, which ranks the biggest seller4d in the last 25l4hrs, in the UK, US, and Canada.
Also once again amazed by the lack of leaks. Dan Rotten had a story claiming she was working on a book back in 2019 but he claimed it was about her dogs for the Mayhew. The rest of them were throwing guesses about a memoir but like you i dont see that happening soon. They and their team have done a great job playing their cards close to the chest so they could have great launches and i hope they keep every penny of it.
I thought H&M’s popularity took a nose dive after the Oprah interview? So those polls were bullsh*t then? I guess Brits don’t actually give a damn if they are spending their hard earned money on this book. This what having actual supporters look like, instead of the fake fans of W&K. It further proves that they don’t have real supporters, just H&M haters. They can never get real people to support their projects.
Also the Sussex Squad has raised about $50,000 in honor of Archie and Lol’ Montecito.
Thanks! Number one on Amazon UK bestseller children’s book list seems huge because we have been told Harry and Meghan are irrelevant for a year or more. Number one in less than a full day by someone all the ‘polls’ show that the country wants stripped of her titles.
Kate should write Buttons, bows and Botox. Life of an English rose.
Or maybe read a book.
She should do something and maybe then her fans would focus on her instead of trolling Meghan 24/7.
Even when Kate does actually do something, her “fans” still manage to drag Meghan’s name into most discussions about it. It’s unbelievably creepy to see how obsessed so many people are; they make *everything* about Meghan.
Nope it can’t be about a rose, lol. That spot is taken. English wisteria maybe?
Kate, perhaps Buttons, Bows and Botox. Life of a British Buttercup.
I’m starting to think that for the ratchet royals and rotas, they expected Meghan to be Cinderella in reverse: she has the big beautiful publically-funded wedding, and now she has to “pay” for it through her abject lowliness to demonstrate her gratitude. After all, the only likely POC in the palaces were the people cleaning them, so perhaps they expected her to “pay for the privilege” of being royal by cleaning the palaces–aka Cinderella in reverse.
By the amount of yapping these folks do about Meghan after more than 18 months of her being away, my guess is their greatest fantasy is dragging her back to the palaces to finish doing her “Cinderella payment.” No matter that project she does, no matter what initiative she leads, their responses will always be the same:
“How dare that ingrate exist away from us and be successful. She’s supposed to be nothing without us! Why isn’t she nothing without us? WAAAAAAAA!”
Rinse and repeat forever. This insanity taints all of british media and all of the british royal family to me. If I were 25 years younger and deciding whether or not to take the fellowship I was offered to St Andrews, I would say “Hell No!” and take the Fulbright I was offered instead. Seriously–I would look at Brexit, and Meghan’s treatment, and think, “do I really want to spend a year in a small town in the UK as a black woman?” I would assume that the UK would not be a safe place for me to be, and that I wouldn’t be welcome there.
I was an avid world traveler in the 1990s/2000s and frequented the Lonely Planet travel boards. There was a popular thread about black people travelling that I was active on–people would ask all the time: “I’m black–how will I be treated if I want to go to X?” Knowing what I know now, my view is much more nuanced. But when I was younger? I’d see what’s going right now and think, no way!!!
Such a great comment! I’m reminded of those articles by people like Anna Pasternak who always want to compare the Sussexes to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, exiled on an island always looking longingly to England, lol. They may have hoped for Cinderella in reverse, but they knew that wasn’t going to happen. Now they all look unhinged and bitter.
“She’s supposed to be nothing without us! Why isn’t she nothing without us?”
The eternal cry of the chronic abuser. Perfect comment.
I guess miss early years is firing her staff because they didn’t write a children’s book for her.
I continue to be amazed by Meghan’s ability to bring a project to completion without 1 leak. Not from the publisher. Not from the illustrator. Not from anyone. She just get things done. Bravo, Meghan!
Just pre-ordered my hardback copy from Amazon. I can’t wait! My kids are all older, but I love and have a small collection of children’s books.
I am delighted for Meghan — the illustrator she chose is perfect, too!—and thrilled that once again, her achievements will distract the fusty ol’ family from their ribbon-cutting dyooties.
Loved the depiction of the birds in the book. The bench (Archewell) symbolizes contemplation.
The blue bird (Harry) is already up the tree and is looking at the big picture. The one who flew (Meghan) is enjoying life. While the other birds down there…
My tin foil hat theory, the press release was always timed for when Meghan delivered to distract the bm.
Ooooh, this is a really intriguing theory!
Meghan is a BOSS….now deal with it!!
This is so exciting. Once again, she completed a project and is set to deliver it and it is only being announced when it is finished. I love this way of doing things, so professional and in their case (HnM) it prevents sabotage by the BM and BRF whose only job these days seems to be in preventing HnM from succeeding at life.
I love that it’s a book about the father/child bond. There’s just not enough such works available and that relationship is very important. In this case it’s so important because I feel like there is this coordinated effort to separate this particular father from his children, so this just makes it crystal clear how important that relationship is.
Yeah Dan wootton had a story about her doing a children’s book in 2019 so the idea has probably been floated for a while but he claimed it would be linked to Mayhew. just shows how much was leaking whilst they were in the firm compared to now they are in the US and she is dropping a completed project & nobody said a word.
Knowing Meghan this is going to be super earnest but perhaps works for kids books. even though that won’t stop her critics from slating it as soon as they get a copy.
Seeing various complaints but apart from taking up undeserved space from other kid authors, the other big complaint is that the proceeds should be donated to charity. Wonder why they aren’t asking this of the queen & her new Sandringham beer line.
And yeah funny she is doing this when Kate is the early years champion. I expect something similar in 3,2,1…
I don’t understand the part about donating the proceeds to charity when she and Harry are the heads of the Archewell Foundation, which partners with and gives money to other charities. I assume whatever money she makes from the book that a portion of it will go to that. It’s a non argument as far as I’m concerned.
Why are people always expecting black women and men to give away their money???
The illustrations are lovely
The wording is spectacular. Vocabulary such as kin are so relational to young children
@Lingley
Yup i agree with you.
Meghan shouldnt use kin in her book.
That word is speacially design and exclusively to be use for kate only.🙄
It’s a very young children’s book. Small words are encouraged.
Words and sentence structure that is relatable to young children. I am surprised someone wouldn’t know that as an author and reader
I don’t post often but I am really amazed (not surprised, just amazed) by these claims that she is somehow damaging the book industry. For one, big assured sales like this allow publishers to plan and sign new authors. I remember a story (maybe apocryphal) that one year Dan Brown missed his deadline and the publisher had to hold off on signing twelve other books because of the income loss. Again, I’m not surprised as it seems many would attack her for breathing and taking up others’ air, but just noting that professionally, it makes no sense.
Good point, the money has to come from somewhere. Also, this book is not going to need a lot of paid publicity, it’s already a huge seller after the first day. Look, I get it, there are a lot of people who get overlooked but life is not fair, its just not. People are more interested in people whose names they already know.
Is this how the ratchets are going to spend the next 50 years of their lives? Waiting for Meghan and or Harry to do something, then hating on it/telling us why it’s wrong, etc? Will the royal ratchets reach the end of their career and think, “Good for me, I spent my working life driving hate against a royal family member’s wife! Hooray!” How long can the pattern last? 10 years? 20? Until Charlotte and Louis grow up and the tabloids turn on them?
Do the crisis managers, who have likely mosied on in to work finally, realize that having the royals always discussed within the context of putting down the Sussexes maybe isn’t good for the brand? How many brands successfully market themselves by how much they hate some other people? “Apple! We hate the bitch who left us to go work for IBM!”
Is the marketing message for the royal family: “The British Royal Family! We hate Meghan and we want Harry to leave her and come back to us! We will also be visiting a ranch and petting some sheep!”
or
“The British Royal Family! We hate the Sussexes! Come watch us take a Choo Choo Train and breathe on people during a pandemic!”
or
“The British Royal Family! Meghan is an ungrateful b*** and we hate her! Watch us uncover a plaque for a new shopping center!”
Maybe they should rename themselves the “The British Royal “We Hate Meghan who stole Harry away from us” Family!” That seems to be the only consistent message they have these days.
How aspirational.
As a parent, the inclusion of an illustrator of colour, and the inclusion of families of colour in the illustrations that support and showcase strong father/son bonds is extremely important to me. The fact that Meghan is a person of colour herself is also important. She knows the negative stereotypes, and this book counters them. She knew what she was doing. This book isn’t just an act of love, but one of defiance and celebration.
Will the text be cheezy as hell? Yes. I mean, Megs is a giant cheezeball, but it comes from the heart, and I’m gonna roll with it cause it’s important for all children to see these diverse images of love.
I’m beyond the picture book demographic but it seems very sweet and the illustrations are gorgeous. I’ll probably get e-version with audio so can hear her read it. Weren’t people predicting she would write a children’s book, so why are they so surprised. They speculated about that when she left and after the Spotify/Netflix deals. There is a whole sub- category of children’s books written by celebrities and public figures. Wasn’t there just some faux controversy about VP Harris’ children’s book, and didn’t Kristen Bell publish a kids book recently? Most of these books are nicely illustrated, cute with an inspiring theme, and that’s that. It looks like a cute book, a little sentimental and no, I’m not expecting a classic, but I don’t understand all this outrage. Of course we know why. Because it’s Meghan.
You can pre order now on Amazon. Got mine!!!!
I’m happy for her and I preordered a copy. Of course, the bitter fruits must share their angst whenever she breathes.
I just pre-ordered Meghan’s book and it’s #1 on Amazon in Canada!! I purchased it to not only support her, but I just absolutely love her and wanted to have something wonderful from her in my home. Seeing my son is a young man, once I receive it, I’ll purchase a nice book stand and mount it as a wonderful display.
I’m so proud of you Meghan ‘Success is the best revenge’ 🥂
living your best life is the best revenge…. i remember when my MIL told me i live off her son ,my husband, what she didn’t know is ,our first home we build, he said it was too small after he started to make money and wanted to move to a bigger house ..i said we only lived here for 3 yrs i will take over the mortgage . put it in my name , and go buy another house . we did that . and my mil kept saying he is supporting me . before she died i told her , i paid for my own home. your son have 2 other homes that i did not sign under. he lived in MY house. and kept his 2 homes and i never visited his homes. cause it was stacked with his books and and such.cause he took all his books out of my house .
Someone created a TikTok video of photos of Meghan set to Fifth Harmony singing “That’s My Girl.” I now have that song running through my head whenever I read about her good works. That’s our girl, for sure.
The book looks gorgeous! I’ve pre-ordered, and my kid is 11!
Congratulations to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the publication of her first children’s book. I am looking forward to reading it.
Once more, ” Toutes nos félicitations”!!
Delete.
Aaah the video where she ignored her baby daddy and reprimanded her son…duck ( not dada)