The author of a children's book has defended Meghan Markle after the Duchess of Sussex was accused of plagiarism when she announced her coming children's book The Bench on Tuesday.
Based on the relationship between a father and son, Markle’s book is inspired by husband Prince Harry and their son Archie, who turns 2 today.
But following the announcement by publisher Random House Children's Books, many on Twitter were quick to point out the similarities between the title, artwork and even storyline with UK author Corrinne Averiss's 2018 book The Boy on the Bench.
With illustrations by Gabriel Alborozo, Averiss’s book cover features a father and son seated on a playground bench.
Markle, who's expecting her second child, a girl, later this year, said The Bench was written a month after Archie was born.
"The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father's Day. That poem became this story," she said. "My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the make-up, as much as it does with mine."
In its description, Random House said the duchess “touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between father and son” in the book and that it illustrates "the special relationship as seen through a mother’s eyes”.
On Wednesday, Averiss took to Twitter to dismiss any comparison between her book and Markle’s.
"Reading the description and published excerpt of the duchess's new book, this is not the same story or the same theme as The Boy on the Bench. I don't see any similarities," she tweeted.
Since their shocking departure from official duties as members of the British royal family, Markle and Prince Harry have announced a spate of projects through their venture Archewell.
Last year, the couple signed an exclusive £100 million ($135 million) multi-year production deal with Netflix through Archewell Productions, and have also joined forces with audio streaming giant Spotify for podcasts via Archewell Audio. Their Archewell Foundation supports communities and charitable initiatives. In March, Prince Harry also became the chief impact officer of US coaching and mental health firm BetterUp, Inc.
The Bench is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, June 8. Markle will also voice the audiobook version, Random House said.
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Recipe
Garlicky shrimp in olive oil
Gambas Al Ajillo
Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
180ml extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 5 large cloves of garlic, minced or pureed (or 3 to 4 garlic scapes, roughly chopped); 1 or 2 small hot red chillies, dried (or ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes); 400g raw prawns, deveined, heads removed and tails left intact; a generous splash of sweet chilli vinegar; sea salt flakes for seasoning; a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Method
▶ Heat the oil in a terracotta dish or frying pan. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the garlic and chilli, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until golden and aromatic.
▶ Add a splash of sweet chilli vinegar and as it vigorously simmers, releasing perfumed aromas, add the prawns and cook, stirring a few times.
▶ Once the prawns turn pink, after 1 or 2 minutes of cooking, remove from the heat and season with sea salt flakes.
▶ Once the prawns are cool enough to eat, scatter with parsley and serve with small forks or toothpicks as the perfect sharing starter. Finish off with crusty bread to soak up all that flavour-infused olive oil.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
How to volunteer
The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Case For Trump
By Victor Davis Hanson
Habib El Qalb
Assi Al Hallani
(Rotana)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
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WHEN TO GO:
September to November or March to May; this is when visitors are most likely to see what they’ve come for.
WHERE TO STAY:
Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari - Chitwan National Park resort (tajhotels.com) is a one-hour drive from Bharatpur Airport with stays costing from Dh1,396 per night, including taxes and breakfast. Return airport transfers cost from Dh661.
HOW TO GET THERE:
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WITHIN%20SAND
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The view from The National
