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Tuesday, Aug 04, 2026

Meghan's book launch 'dealt blow' after titles pulled from shelves in supply row

Meghan's book launch 'dealt blow' after titles pulled from shelves in supply row

The launch of Meghan Markle’s new book could be hampered due to conflict between her publisher and the UK’s biggest bookseller.

The Duchess of Sussex is set to release her children’s book, called The Bench, on Tuesday.

The book’s publisher, Penguin Random House (PRH), has apparently limited its credit to Waterstones, meaning the bookseller cannot purchase as many books as it would have previously.

Waterstones has responded by pulling PRH titles from prominent displays in its 300 stores nationwide.

It is feared this could affect sales of Meghan’s new book as it may be more hidden from customers.

A spokesperson for the chain told The Telegraph: ‘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, the only publisher in the UK to place any limitations on our ability to trade.’

The picture book has been illustrated by award-winning artist Christian Robinson


According to the publisher, The Bench will focus on the special relationship between a dad and son as seen through the mum’s eyes.

‘The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born,’ Meghan said in a statement.

‘That poem became this story.’

The picture book has been illustrated by award-winning artist Christian Robinson, and the audiobook is narrated by Meghan herself.

Meghan and her husband Prince Harry live in the US with their young son Archie, and she is heavily pregnant with their daughter.

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