Meghan Markle accused of ‘ripping off’ artwork for new children’s book The Bench

Meghan Markle has been accused of copying the idea for her new children’s book The Bench.

Critics claim it bears similarities with the 2018 kids’ novel The Boy on the Bench by British author Corrinne Averiss.

The Duchess of Sussex, 39, announced on Tuesday she was releasing the book.

She said it will explore the “special bond” between a father and son from a mother’s eyes, inspired by husband Prince Harry and son Archie, who turns two on Thursday.

But social media users alleged she ripped the idea off the other title.

They say it is “almost identical” to the other book, which features the relationship between a boy and his dad.

And they even claim the covers are similar.

The covers of both titles include a picture of a bench under trees, with birds in the skies.

The Boy on the Bench has been described online as a “gentle, empathetic story about overcoming fears and being yourself”.

One Twitter user wrote: “Almost Identical to Corrinne Averiss book “The Boy on the Bench” Even the cover, identical.”

Another claimed it was “a blatant copy”.

While one wrote: “Rip off of Corrinne Averiss’ The Boy on the Bench.”

One social media user posted: “Meghan Markle appears to have plagiarised her book from the Boy on the Bench which is about the bond between a father and son.”

And one added: “Wonder if she got her inspiration from the children’s book about a boy and his father called the Boy on the bench…. I don’t believe in coincidence.”

The duchess revealed her book started as a poem she wrote for Harry, 36, for Father’s Day, a month after Archie was born.

Her pen name is given as Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.

The book, which is illustrated by Christian Robinson, will be released through Penguin Random House on June 8.

In a statement announcing its release, she said: “My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine.”

And it has already shot to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list in the children’s category.

According to the webpage, The Bench will be priced at £9.99.

Penguin has said the duchess will also be releasing an audio version of it.

Meghan’s fans, who have dubbed themselves the Sussex Squad, have already pledged to buy multiple copies of her book to support her.

A number of supporters said they will also buy them to donate to their local libraries or children’s schools.

The Daily Star has contacted a representative for Meghan Markle for comment.