Meghan Markle has commented on the success of her new book, which is inspired by her husband Prince Harry, and their son, Archie. Writing on the couple’s joint website Archewell, the Duchess of Sussex said she was keen to “depict another side of masculinity” within the book. She said the book, which began as a “love letter” to Harry and Archie, now offers a vision of “another side” of manliness and masculinity.

Meghan said: “To depict another side of masculinity — one grounded in connection, emotion, and softness — is to model a world that so many would like to see for their sons and daughters alike.”

She also said the book was about sharing the “universal themes of love” with her readers.

The Duchess said: “While this poem began as a love letter to my husband and son, I’m encouraged to see that its universal themes of love, representation and inclusivity are resonating with communities everywhere.

“In many ways, pursuing a more compassionate and equitable world begins with these core values.”

Meghan’s debut book has reached number one in the New York Times’s bestseller list for children’s picture books just after a week after it was first launched.

The Bench evolved from a poem she wrote to Prince Harry and is based on the special bond between father and son, as seen through a mother’s eyes.

The heavily illustrated book officially launched on June 8, in partnership with Random House Children’s Books in the US, Tundra Books and Puffin in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa.

Award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson produced the images for the book.

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