'The Bench': Meghan Markle features illustration of Prince Harry and Archie in new children's book

The Duchess of Sussex will release a children's book, inspired by her husband and son, this month

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pictured with Prince Harry and son Archie, will release a children's book centred on the relationship between a father and son later this month. Getty Images

A sneak peek of Meghan Markle's new children's book reveals that Prince Harry and her son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, have inspired more than just the plot.

An illustration of the father and toddler appears on the inside page of The Bench, the Duchess of Sussex's family-friendly read, which will be released this month.

A glimpse of the book's inside cover was shared by US photographer Gray Malin, who was gifted an advance copy by the former actress's office.

The artist, who is known to be a friend of the duchess, uploaded two short videos to his personal Instagram account of the book, which will be released on Tuesday.

"Received some royal mail. Congrats on your new book, M!" Malin captioned the first clip, which shows the front cover of The Bench.

In a second video, a personal note signed by Meghan is pinned above an illustration of a bearded Prince Harry holding hands with a red-haired Archie.

"From one parent to another – all my love from my family to yours. As ever, Meghan," the note from the duchess, 39, read.

A memo attached to the front cover read: "With compliments of The Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Please enjoy the advanced copy on behalf of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex."

The Bench, which was first announced last month, centres around the relationship between a father and son, based on Prince Harry and Archie, 2.

"The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father's Day, the month after Archie was born. That poem became this story," the duchess said when revealing the book.

"My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the make up, as much as it does with mine."

The book, which is illustrated by artist Christian Robinson, will be also be accompanied by an audiobook narrated by Meghan.

The duchess and Prince Harry, 36, are expecting their second child, a daughter due to be born this summer.

Since departing from official duties as senior members of the British royal family last year, Meghan 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, and have also joined forces with audio streaming giant Spotify for podcasts. In March, Prince Harry also became the chief impact officer of US coaching and mental health firm BetterUp.