A purportedly handwritten copy of Meghan Markle’s children’s book has been put up for sale for £20,000, with the seller claiming it was personally given to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank after the birth of their son.
The first edition of The Bench carries an inscription dated 2021 which appears to be signed in the Duchess of Sussex’s distinctive handwriting. The message refers to Eugenie as “Eug”, a family nickname, and mentions Frogmore Cottage, where Harry and Meghan lived before moving abroad.
The inscription reads: “Dear Eug & Jack, 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.”
The message has not been independently authenticated. The listing does not include a certificate of authenticity, although the seller says the handwriting and signature are “undeniably” Meghan’s.
The book is being offered by London-based dealer Nicholas Greenwood through his signed-books business. He describes it as a rare “presentation copy” and says it is inscribed, dated and signed by the author.
The seller has not disclosed how the book came into his possession, prompting speculation about how an alleged personal gift between members of the Royal Family reached the online marketplace.
The listing describes the copy as a significant piece of royal memorabilia and says it would appeal to collectors, autograph hunters and museums. The book has reportedly been read, but is said to have only slight scratches and creases to its cover and pages.
Ten per cent of the sale proceeds will be donated to a charity supporting disadvantaged children in education in Thailand, according to the listing. Buyers can also pay in instalments of £943.29 over 24 months through PayPal.
Unsigned copies of The Bench are available for around £2, making the asking price for the alleged royal presentation copy substantially higher.
Meghan published the book in June 2021 through Random House Children’s Books. It explores the relationship between a father and son from a mother’s perspective, but reportedly sold 3,212 copies in its first week in the UK and did not enter the Official Top 50.
The book was allegedly given to Eugenie and Jack in the year they welcomed their first child, August, who was born in February 2021. The seller links the inscription’s reference to Frogmore to the couple’s time at the Windsor property after moving there in late 2020.
Meghan and Eugenie have been friends since the early stages of Meghan’s relationship with Prince Harry. Eugenie and Jack joined the couple for a Halloween night out in Toronto in 2016, an episode later recalled by Meghan and Harry in interviews and their documentary series.
A spokesman for Princess Eugenie and a spokesman for the Duchess of Sussex have been asked for comment. Mr Greenwood has also been approached.
