Here’s Why Everyone Is Royally Obsessed with Meghan Markle’s Bench (We're Not Kidding)

Could fans have found *the* bench that Meghan Markle is referring to in her brand-new children’s book aptly called The Bench that’s due out on June 8? After taking notice of said suspected bench in Markle’s recent appearance via video for Vax Live, we think it’s a safe bet. It’s also not the first time Markle has been spotted sitting on this bench.

Let’s back up a bit, shall we? We recently got word that Markle would be releasing her first-ever kids book just in time for Father’s Day. The cover—beautifully illustrated by bestselling artist Christian Robinson—shows a bench that fans think looks quite similar to one Markle has been seated on for several recent virtual appearances.

First up: The bench in question made an appearance when Markle and Harry participated in a video filmed last fall for Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2020” edition. They were encouraging viewers to vote; we got what is believed to be a glimpse of the backyard of their new home—bench included—in Montecito, California.

The next sighting? This time, Markle was seated solo and participating in the CNN Heroes tribute to the hard-working heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bench had been relocated to a different spot in the yard with a floral backdrop, but it had also been styled with a couple of throw pillows. Very chic.

As for the most recent glimpse, Markle and Harry both co-chaired Global Citizen’s Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World, a fundraiser to spotlight the critical need for more equitable vaccine distribution around the world. When Markle joined via video feed, she was seated once again on—you guessed it—the bench.

Is it an exact replica of the bench featured on the cover of her children’s book? It’s pretty close. (You can purchase a bench that’s just like it here, here and here.) So we think it’s safe to say the story (or at least the art) may have been inspired by Markle’s backyard furniture.

Royal sleuths? We like to think so. Now, on to our next Google search: Where to find those gorgeous throw pillows.

For more about the royals, listen to the Royally Obsessed podcast with co-hosts Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito. Subscribe now or follow us on Instagram @royallyobsessedpodcast.

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