Meghan Markle’s new children’s book could reportedly be dealt a sad blow due to an alleged “dispute” between one of Britain's biggest high-street booksellers and her publisher.
- Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex recently revealed she’s releasing her first children’s book, The Bench, inspired by Prince Harry and their son Archie.
- Now it’s been claimed that an alleged "dispute" between her publisher and a major British bookseller could affect its release.
- In other royal news, Kate Middleton’s uncle warns Prince Harry of a Royal Family split if he doesn’t “get a grip”.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex delighted royal fans earlier this year when she made a huge announcement about a new creative project. It was announced that she would be releasing her first ever children’s book, The Bench, which is set for release on June 8. Meghan is understood to have been inspired by watching Prince Harry and his relationship with their now three-year-old son Archie. With Prince Harry and Meghan expecting baby number two, her foray into the publishing world is certainly coming at a very exciting time for their family.
Though since the announcement was made, some have suggested Meghan’s children’s book sends a ‘coded message’ to the Queen regarding Prince Harry’s military losses. The couple ‘stepped back’ as senior members of the Royal Family last year and have now confirmed they are never coming back as working royals.
Instead, they have settled in LA and are pursuing their own ventures such as Prince Harry’s new Apple TV+ docuseries, The Me You Can’t See and, of course, Meghan’s new book. However, despite all her hard work in bringing her new creation to life, it's been suggested sales could potentially be hampered for one significant reason.
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/E2633kGCAAMay 4, 2021
According to The Telegraph, Meghan Markle’s publishers, Penguin Random House, and one of Britain's biggest high-street booksellers, Waterstones, are in "dispute". The publication claims that Penguin Random House has “restricted how much credit it extends to Waterstones”. The report went on to allege that Waterstones has pulled some PRH titles from "prominent displays" across its almost 300 stores nationwide.
The Telegraph also reports that a spokesperson for Waterstones declared: “We are not boycotting PRH titles but we are doing our utmost to ensure that availability for customers remains good despite the lower overall levels of stock. We do this generally by giving their titles less prominent positioning within our bookshops.
“Waterstones are currently operating with reduced credit terms from PRH”, they continued.
It’s been suggested that this could potentially have an "adverse effect" on sales of upcoming books such as Meghan’s The Bench if readers end up being unable to pick up as many copies as they may have hoped in Waterstones stores.
However, Penguin Random House has not officially spoken out on these claims or confirmed any alleged “dispute”.
Meghan Markle will likely be looking forward to seeing The Bench officially released and the adorable children’s book is thought to feature a diverse range of characters as well as stunning watercolor pictures by illustrator Christian Robinson. It’s said to focus on the special bond between a father and son, as seen through the eyes of a mother.
With Archie as inspiration, it’s wonderful to think that her new book is something Meghan might share with both of her children once her and Prince Harry welcome their new baby.
