Meghan Markle ‘upset’ and ‘disappointed’ at publisher row over new book

Meghan Markle could be “upset” and “disappointed” over a publisher row that may damage the promotion of her new book, a royal expert has claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex’s picture book for children, The Bench, was released today on Tuesday, June 8.

Inspired by husband Prince Harry and son Archie, the royal’s work will focus on the “special bond between father and son”.

However, publisher Penguin Random House [PRH] is currently locked in a dispute with Britain’s biggest book shop Waterstones.

PRH has limited how much credit they can offer to the chain, limiting how many books they can buy.

Waterstones afterwards removed PRH books from its displays, which could have an adverse effect on sales.

Brittani Barger, Deputy Editor of Royal Central, a US website focused on news about the monarchy, believes Meghan won’t be best pleased by the row.

She told the Daily Star that Meghan “could rightfully be upset” after the dispute.

Ms Barger said: “I’d say she would be disappointed that this is going on. Any author wants their book to be out there on the date it is supposed to.

“You have so much anticipation for publishing day, so she could easily be disappointed because of this.”

The Bench, priced at £12.99, has so far railed to make Amazon’s top 200 bestseller list.

Ms Barger thinks it is unlikely that Meghan will take up writing full time after the project.

She added: “I think Meghan is focusing on her charity work, so I don’t see her forging a new career as an author.

“She might choose to write another children’s book down the road for charity though if this one does well.”

Reviews have so far been mixed, with one Amazon user describing the book as “boring and uninspiring”.

Another said: “My grandson, who is 3 years old, was not at all engaged when reading this book together.

“Will stick to The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Very disappointed.”

However, others praised the “sweet story with beautiful illustrations”.

Another pleased customer wrote: “I find the way the book explores the relationship between father and son through the mother’s eyes very warm and cute.”

A Waterstones spokeswoman earlier said: “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.”

PRH have so far not commented.

The book was released just days after Harry and Meghan announced the birth of baby daughter Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.

She was born on Friday, June 4, and is now settling in at home with the Duchess of Sussex.

She and Harry said they felt “blessed” and thanked fans for their “love and prayers”.