A British children's book author has rejected claims Meghan Markle copied her story in her upcoming new book 'The Bench'.
Corrinne Averiss defended the Duchess of Sussex after suggestions of a copyright breach erupted on social media within hours of Meghan's big book unveiling.
In a statement putting the row to bed, Ms Averiss said she saw "no similarities" at all between her children's book, 'The Boy on the Bench', and Meghan's forthcoming work.
The Manchester author wrote in a statement on Twitter : "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."
According to Metro, she expanded on her statement: "I don’t see any similarities apart from the use of a bench – which exist in as many stories as they do parks and gardens."
Critics had pointed out the similarities in the two books' titles, and their focus.
Like 'The Bench,' 'The Boy on the Bench' is also about the special bond between a father and his son
Accomplished author and children's telly producer Ms Averiss' book was first published in 2018.
It follows the story of a little boy sitting on a bench with his dad who doesn't feel he can join in with the other children in the playground.
Meghan's first children's book, due to be published in summer by Puffin, an arm of Penguin Random House, focuses on the special bond between dads and sons as seen through a mother's eyes
Her book is said to have been inspired by husband Prince Harry and son Archie, who is celebrating his second birthday today, and based on a poem Meghan wrote for her husband on Father's Day.
In first glimpses of the book's illustrations, by award-winning Christian Robinson, released this week it can be seen to depict scenes of happy and diverse families - including a trio who appear similar to Meghan, Harry and Archie.
In a statement promoting the book, Meghan wrote: "My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the make-up, as much as it does with mine."
The book has already sparked controversy, with regular Meghan critic Piers Morgan blasting her use of the 'Duchess of Sussex' title on its cover, in spite of her split along with Harry from the royal family.
But his former co-host on Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid, defended the book, agreeing with her new hosting partner Adil Ray who told viewers: "It's a great story. A great idea about the father and son relationship."
