Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has publicly endorsed a poetry collection focused on motherhood after receiving it as a present from a close friend. The 44-year-old royal shared a brief Instagram video on Monday, showcasing her enjoyment of the book titled The Bloom Because of You by New Zealand poet Jessica Urlichs.
Author Reacts with Shock to Royal Endorsement
Jessica Urlichs expressed profound surprise and honour upon learning that Meghan Markle had praised her work. In an Instagram Reel, the author described feeling "shock" and being "honoured beyond words" by the Duchess's endorsement. Meghan left a comment on Jessica's post, explaining that her "mom friend, Christina" had shared the book with her and noting it is her "current bedside book."
Details of the Poetry Collection
The Bloom Because of You, published on March 3, is characterised as a testament to the significance of mothering through a series of heartfelt poems. In the video, Meghan appeared relaxed on a sunny spring day in Montecito, California, whispering that the book was "so good." The clip revealed she had folded down page corners, including one featuring the poem "Vows I Didn't Write" about marriage.
Meghan's Reading Habits Revealed
This endorsement comes after Meghan previously disclosed her difficulties in finding time for reading. During an interview last August on The Circuit with Bloomberg's Emily Chang, she visited the Godmothers bookstore in Montecito and admitted she hadn't immersed herself in an enjoyable book in a "long time." She stated her current priorities were "kids' books and parenting books," highlighting her focus on family life.
Netflix Partnership Ends Amid Brand Growth
Meanwhile, Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever has officially parted ways with Netflix, following the cancellation of her show With Love, Meghan. The Christmas special of the series received harsh criticism, with reviewers labelling it "tectonically tacky" and accusing Meghan of being "out of touch." Insiders suggest Meghan believed Netflix was too "cautious" with her brand and wanted to "go global," while Netflix sources claimed customers showed "no appetite" for As Ever products.
A spokesperson for As Ever commented, "We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As ever is now ready to stand on its own." Netflix released a statement acknowledging Meghan's passion and confirming she will continue developing the brand independently. The partnership had given Netflix a stake in As Ever, which includes products like jam, rosé wine, and flower sprinkles.
Family Moments and Charitable Work
In other recent activities, Meghan shared Instagram Stories offering glimpses into her family's spring preparations, including a rare view of her daughter Lilibet's red hair. Videos showed her arranging flowers, with Prince Harry complimenting her work as "beautiful" and calling her a "babe." Additionally, Meghan surprised young patients at a Los Angeles hospital last week, participating in painting and craft activities without prior promotion, as shared by Children's Hospital Los Angeles on their Instagram.
