Princess Eugenie Faces New Social Scrutiny

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 15, 2026

A signed first edition of Meghan Markle’s children's book *The Bench*, personally inscribed to Princess Eugenie and her husband, was listed for sale online before being swiftly withdrawn. The incident has drawn attention to the private relationships within the royal family and sparked speculation about the distance suggested by the book’s unexpected resale.

Princess Eugenie has come under renewed public scrutiny following the discovery of a signed, first edition copy of a children's book by Meghan Markle listed for sale on an online auction site. The book, titled *The Bench*, was authored by the Duchess of Sussex and featured a personalized inscription addressed to Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.

The dedication in the book reads, “Celebrating the special bond between father and son. I wrote this poem at Frogmore — I hope that Eug, you witness the same love there with your guys. All love, Meghan.” The inscription is notable for its warm tone and apparent affection, referencing familial bonds and their shared experiences at Frogmore Cottage, a residence linked to members of the British royal family.

This listing reportedly appeared on eBay with an asking price of $26,500 before being quickly removed after the sale attracted media attention. The reason for its prompting removal has not been publicly detailed, but the unexpected public offering of such a personalized item involving senior royals has sparked considerable discussion.

Princess Eugenie, daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew, has long been subject to heightened public attention due to her royal lineage and family associations. The publication of this item for sale added a new layer to the scrutiny surrounding her personal life and relationships within the extended royal family.

Observers noted that while the inscription emphasizes a special bond between Eugenie and Meghan, the listing suggests a distance or disconnect, given that the book was being offered for sale rather than retained as a keepsake. The event has been informally dubbed “Bench-gate” in some media circles, underscoring the unusual circumstances surrounding the sale of a signed gift from one prominent royal figure to another.

This episode highlights ongoing public fascination with the private interactions and dynamics among members of the British royal family, particularly those involving Meghan Markle since her marriage into the royal household. No official comment has been released from the parties involved regarding the incident.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.