A snap of the illustration was shared on Instagram Story by Meghan’s friend photographer Gray Malin, who was sent an advance copy of the book by the Duchess of Sussex. That man with the red hair and red beard, in a ubiquitous pair of dad jeans, could only be Harry! And holding his hand is his red-headed son Archie. The gorgeous watercolor illustrations are by award-winning artist Christian Robinson, while the story—inspired by the relationship between fathers and sons—is by Meghan. Accompanying the illustration in the snapshot is a handwritten note to Gray in Meghan’s distinctive handwriting. The duchess wrote, “Dear Gray, from one parent to another—all my love from my family to yours… As ever, Meghan.” In a previous statement, Meghan revealed that the inspiration for the picture book began as a poem she wrote for Harry on Father’s Day only a month after Archie was born. “That poem became this story,” she said, going on to describe how Christian’s “beautiful and ethereal” watercolor illustrations capture the “warmth, joy, and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life.” Meghan is currently pregnant with the Sussexes’ second child (a girl!) and it’s thought that she’s is due to give birth sometime this month. The Bench, published by Penguin Random House, hits bookstores on June 8 and the audiobook will be narrated by Meghan herself. Next up, Prince Harry revealed how Meghan shared with him the ‘[racticalities of how she was going to end her life" the night they were guests at the Royal Albert Hall.
