It seems Meghan Markle is once again facing the consequences of a previous misstep in her career.
Remember "The Bench," the children's book that Meghan Markle had fast-tracked? It was widely criticized for being poorly written and overly sentimental. I have my own grievances—she took inspiration from my family's connection to benches, which I think is a bit spiteful. Maybe I should write a better children's book about benches, given I have a meaningful story to share. What do you all think? Would that be too spiteful, or just the perfect way to launch my first book in response to Markle and other celebrities who seem to think writing children’s books is a walk in the park?
The backlash isn’t just about Meghan. Recently, Kieran Knightly pointed out a trend among celebrity authors, categorizing their works into hits and misses. At the top of the flop list? Meghan Markle’s "The Bench." Despite generating a lot of buzz, the book sold a disappointing 8,000 copies in the UK, according to Nielsen BookScan. Critics, like Times writer Alex O'Connell, noted it lacked the essential ingredients for a successful children’s story: a good narrative and basic rhythm. It’s awkward and misses the mark entirely, with little meaningful content to connect with young readers.
There’s hardly a relatable message; it feels disconnected from everyday experiences. Most families don’t have a special bench they sit on to reflect on their lives. My connection to benches is personal and emotional, while her portrayal feels out of touch.
This latest flop adds to the list of Meghan’s disappointments. It’s disheartening to see her attempt to step into children’s literature without fully grasping the art form. Writing for kids requires skill, practice, and discipline—qualities that Meghan seems to overlook in her pursuit of literary fame. The reality is that authors have dedicated years to honing their craft, while celebrities like Meghan can waltz in and expect immediate success.
The Guardian labeled her attempt a flop, and even the authors in the field are voicing their frustrations. Poet Josh Rangel criticized Meghan for not appreciating the work that goes into being a professional children's author. He emphasized that celebrities often think they can produce quality content with minimal effort, relying on their fame to carry the weight.
Meghan received a hefty advance of $500,000 for "The Bench," which is astonishing given its short length of just 40 pages. Author James Lyons expressed his frustration, sharing that he faced hundreds of rejections for his manuscripts over the years, highlighting the unfair advantage celebrities have in the publishing world.
Author Katherine Rundell echoed this sentiment, criticizing celebrities who lend their names to ghostwritten books. She pointed out how it undermines genuine writers and dilutes the quality of children’s literature. She stated, "Why would we be surprised if you signed a painting you hadn’t created? It poisons the water and makes it harder for parents and teachers to find great children’s fiction."
Despite claims that Meghan wrote the book herself, many feel it lacks depth and creativity. "The Bench" is supposed to explore the bond between a father and son, reflecting Prince Harry’s relationship with Archie. However, the execution is lacking.
The entire project feels uninspired and poorly crafted. If you want to see how dull it is, you can find her reading it aloud on YouTube—where it barely garnered half a million views. The story features a series of underwhelming lines and awkward rhymes that fail to resonate. It’s as if the benches scattered throughout the narrative symbolize her missed opportunities rather than meaningful connections.
I have my own meaningful stories related to benches, and one day, I might just write my version as a form of creative revenge.
As we await Meghan’s next move, I’m curious: Are you surprised to see her flopping again?
By the way, if you’re a fan of the royals or someone who has strong feelings about Meghan and Harry, I want to include you in our upcoming documentary. We’re in the final stages of editing, and I’d love to hear your perspective.
