Is Meghan Markle Sending A Message About Prince Harry In Her New Children's Book?
On May 4, it was announced that Penguin Random House is publishing a children's book written by Meghan Markle, (via Bustle). Set to release on June 8, 2021, the book is about "the special bond between father and son as seen through a mother's eyes," and is inspired by a poem she wrote for Prince Harry on his first Father's Day, (via Good Housekeeping).
"That poem became a story," Markle said in a press release. "Christian [Robinson] layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolor illustrations that capture the warmth, joy, and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life."
One particular illustration has caught the eye of one royal commentator, who told The Sun that the image of a red-haired soldier embracing his son is directly related to Harry. As Phil Dampier explains, the picture shows a mother looking through a window in tears as "she sees her husband returning from battle to pick up family life once more."
Is the red-haired soldier in the illustration is a nod to Prince Harry?
While this sentiment "wasn't a reality for Harry, who was in a different relationship when he served in Afghanistan," Phil Dampier believes that Markle "is probably showing how much the Army meant to Harry and how upset he is to lose his military titles." Earlier this year, the Queen decided her grandson could not retain his honorary military titles after stepping down from his royal duties, (via BBC News). "And Meghan is reminding readers that Harry did fight in the frontline."
The Sun also notes that fans have linked the phrase "my love" as another clue, after a 2018 video of the couple at a performance of "Hamilton" saw Markle call Harry "my love," (via Instagram). And as it happens, the text accompanying the illustration features the same nickname. "Looking out at my love and our beautiful boy," Meghan writes. "And here in the window I'll have tears of great joy."
It's unclear whether this was the poem that Markle wrote on Father's Day – or whether it's specifically linked to Harry – but it's clear that the Duchess of Sussex appreciates and admires the bond Harry shares with their son Archie.