Meghan Markle's new kid's book 'The Bench' has been dealt a blow due to a row between the UK's biggest bookseller and its publisher, according to reports.
The Duchess of Sussex is set to release her children's book, next week on June 8 and the story focuses on the special relationship between a father and son as seen through the mother's eyes, publisher Random House previously said.
Talking about her idea for the book, the Duchess said it was originally a poem.
She said: "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."
Now, days before the launch, The Telegraph reports that a row between her publisher and Waterstones could delay the UK release.
Reportedly, the publisher has limited credit that is extended to Waterstones, meaning the number of books they can buy is limited.
Waterstones responded by pulling Penguin Random House [PRH] titles from displays in its hundreds of stores nationwide.
The publication claims that bosses at the chain gave orders that only a minimal number of PRH titles should stay visible to customers in stores, which could affect sales for upcoming titles such as The Bench.
Waterstones said the measures were to safeguard stock and not as a protest against the publishing house.
A spokeswoman for the chain reportedly said: “We are not boycotting PRH titles but we are doing our utmost to ensure that availability for customers remains good despite the lower overall levels of stock.
“We do this generally by giving their titles less prominent positioning within our bookshops.
“Waterstones are currently operating with reduced credit terms from PRH, the only publisher in the UK to place any limitations on our ability to trade.”
Meghan and husband Prince Harry are expecting another child in the United States, where they live with their son.
The picture book, published by Random House Children's Books, has been illustrated by award winning artist Christian Robinson, and the audiobook is narrated by the Duchess of Sussex.
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