A first edition copy of The Bench, Meghan Markle’s 2021 children’s book, has been listed for sale on eBay for £19,999 (approximately $26,426) with an alleged handwritten inscription from the Duchess of Sussex to Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank. The listing, posted by a London-based signed-books dealer, describes the item as a ‘rare and deeply personal’ artifact connected to modern royal history.
The inscription, which has not been independently verified, 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 is dated 2021, the year Eugenie and Jack welcomed their son, August. The book’s seller claims it was a personal gift following the birth of the couple’s child.
The listing includes photos of the inscription and notes that 10% of the sale proceeds will be donated to a charity supporting disadvantaged children in Thailand. The seller, Drive Easy’s Signed Books, describes the item as an ‘absolute masterpiece of modern royal history’ and suggests it may appeal to collectors or museums. The book has garnered over 16,000 views since its posting.
Buyers can purchase the item outright or opt for monthly payments of £943.29 over 24 months via PayPal. The seller has a 100% customer satisfaction rating over the past decade, having sold more than 2,300 signed items.
Frogmore Cottage, where the Duchess of Sussex wrote The Bench, served as Harry and Meghan’s UK residence from 2019 to 2020. Princess Eugenie moved into the cottage in November 2020 and left in 2022, after the couple renewed their lease to occupy the property until March 2022. They officially vacated the cottage in 2023 following their relocation to the United States.
Representatives for Meghan Markle and Princess Eugenie have not responded to requests for comment. The listing remains active on eBay, with the seller accepting ‘best offers’ alongside the fixed price.
The emergence of the book raises questions about how the item left royal hands, as new copies of The Bench are still available for purchase online at standard retail prices. The seller has not disclosed how the book was obtained or whether its transfer was authorized.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.