Meghan Markle breaks her silence during maternity leave with baby Lilibet Diana for this important reason

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits the British High Commissioner's residence to attend an afternoon reception to celebrate the UK and South Africa’s important business and investment relationship
(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex has spoken out during her maternity leave with newborn daughter, Lilibet Diana, as she celebrates an incredible achievement. 

Meghan Markle has broken her silence during her maternity leave after welcoming her and Prince Harry’s second child, Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana, for a very important reason. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the arrival of baby Lilibet earlier this month, revealing she was named in honor of the Queen and Princess Diana. Little Lilibet is the Queen’s eleventh great-grandchild and is currently eighth in the royal line of succession.

It’s not yet known when she might be introduced to her delighted great-grandmother in-person. Though Harry and Meghan have allegedly shared the first picture of her with the Royal Family.

The family of four reside in the US, following the Sussexes’ decision to “step back” as senior members of the Royal Family last year.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe

They have since confirmed they will not be returning as working royals and instead Harry and Meghan have announced a number of exciting new ventures. One such project was Meghan’s first children’s book, The Bench, which was published just last week. She confirmed this exciting career news in May and her narration of the book is just as sweet as people might have imagined.

Since it’s release, The Bench has risen to become number one on The New York Times Bestseller list for children’s picture books. 

Now the Duchess-turned-author has taken to her and Harry’s Archewell website in the middle of her maternity leave to issue a heartfelt message of thanks.

A illustration of a father and son are seen inside a copy of Meghan Markle's book "The Bench" on a display in Europe's largest bookstore Waterstones Piccadilly, on June 08, 2021 in London, England

“While this poem began as a love letter to my husband and son, I’m encouraged to see that its universal themes of love, representation and inclusivity are resonating with communities everywhere. In many ways, pursuing a more compassionate and equitable world begins with these core values”, Meghan declared in a message featured within a post on the site.

“Equally, to depict another side of masculinity — one grounded in connection, emotion, and softness — is to model a world that so many would like to see for their sons and daughters alike. Thank you for supporting me in this special project.” 

The Bench started out as a Father’s Day poem Meghan wrote for Prince Harry, though it was soon expanded into a beautifully illustrated children’s book.

The wonderful story captures moments of love between fathers and sons, as told through a mother’s eyes. 

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.