A unique edition of Meghan Markle’s children’s book, “The Bench,” believed to be inscribed for Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, was recently listed for sale on eBay. The book featured what appeared to be a personal handwritten note from the Duchess of Sussex, and was offered for a staggering price of £19,999.99, equivalent to nearly $26,500. However, the seller ended the listing shortly after it was posted on October 2.
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The inscription in question addresses Eugenie and Jack using affectionate nicknames, with the note dated to 2021, a significant year as it marked the birth of Eugenie and Jack’s first child, August. The message reads: “Celebrating the special bond between father and son. I wrote this poem at Frogmore — I hope that Eug, you witness the same love there with your guys. All love, Meghan.” This personal touch appears to reference Meghan’s previous residence at Frogmore Cottage, the former UK home she shared with Prince Harry.
The book, released in June 2021, was described by the seller as a “presentation copy” that included Meghan’s signature, located at the top left-hand side of the first page. Details in the listing also highlighted some superficial damage to the item, such as slight creasing and marking on a few pages, as well as ink bleed onto the previous page.
The authenticity of both the inscription and the book’s provenance has not been independently verified, and attempts to contact representatives for both Meghan and Eugenie regarding the sale have not yielded responses. The eBay auction was facilitated by Drive Easy’s Signed Books, which has since removed the listing.
The inspiration for “The Bench” stemmed from a Father’s Day poem Meghan wrote for Harry in 2019, shortly after the birth of their son, Archie. The book is dedicated to both Harry and Archie, stating: “For the man and the boy who make my heart go pump-pump,” reflecting the deep familial bond celebrated within its pages.
Throughout the years, Meghan and Harry, along with Eugenie and Jack, have maintained a close friendship. They have shared various experiences and memories, as in the case of a Halloween night in 2016 that they recounted in a Netflix docuseries, which showcased their camaraderie prior to the public announcement of Harry and Meghan’s relationship.
Eugenie’s connection to the Sussexes was further emphasised when she appeared in the Netflix series, appearing in home videos from a family visit to California. Reports suggest that while the Sussexes relocated away from royal duties, their friendship with Eugenie remained intact, as evidenced by her attendance at events with Harry.
Speculation regarding the state of their relationships has emerged in recent months, with reports indicating a potential distancing between the two couples. However, sources close to Harry have refuted claims of a falling out, asserting that he continues to maintain a close relationship with his cousin Eugenie.
In a recent statement, a source told PEOPLE, “The Duke remains close to Princess Eugenie. They always have and always will be.” This assertion countered earlier narratives suggesting tensions following a photo of Eugenie socialising with media personality Piers Morgan outside a pub.
As public interest in Meghan’s literary efforts continues, the sale of the inscribed copy of “The Bench” highlights not only the influence of the Sussexes’ personal lives on their professional ventures but also the intricate ties that bind them to the wider royal family. The combination of authenticity, celebrity, and personal relationships yields a compelling narrative that resonates with royal watchers and fans alike.