From actress to duchess
Is there anything she can’t do?
to documentary narrator to author, Meghan Markle sure keeps busy – but not everyone is happy about her new book
She describes herself as “a mother, wife, feminist and activist” – but Meghan Markle has been filling her CV with new projects over the past year, signing multi-million dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify, as well as narrating nature documentaries. And, last week, she announced she’s added another string to her bow, with the upcoming release of her self-penned children’s book The Bench – which is inspired by Prince Harry and their son Archie, two, and is all about the bond between a father and son.
In a statement, Meghan – who goes by “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex” on the book cover – said, “My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the make-up, as much as it does with me.” But her sentiments didn’t stop critics questioning her motives, with some accusing her of “cashing in on her royal title”, as well as featuring a red-headed soldier – looking suspiciously like Harry – embracing his son in one of the illustrations.
But, according to insiders, Meghan isn’t fazed. “She knows certain people, including some in the royal family, will be shaking their heads, but she couldn’t care less,” says an insider close to the 39 year old, who gave up her HRH title last year, when she and Harry stepped down as senior members of the royal family, but still goes by the moniker the Duchess of Sussex. “She’s always dreamed of writing children’s books. Seeing Harry and Archie’s bond has touched her soul, and this is her way of doing something special for them both.”
The Bench, which will be released next month, received a mixed reaction last week. While Meghan’s supporters praised her creativity, cynics claimed it was another ploy to make money from the royals, with Piers Morgan ranting, “How the hell can Meghan ‘I hate royalty, but call me Duchess’ Markle preach about father-child relationships when she’s disowned her own dad and wrecked her husband’s relationship with his?” Many online commentators joined in the backlash, agreeing it was “hypocritical” and “ironic” for Meghan to focus on family bonds, and many disagreed with her use of the duchess title to promote her projects.
But according to our source, Meghan – who will give birth to a girl this spring – is remaining defiant. “This controversial book taps into her and Harry’s mantra of, ‘We’ll do what we want, how we want,’” we’re told. “They’re not adhering to royal protocol any more, because they don’t have to.” ■
‘This is her way of doing something special for them’