In a delightful turn of events, Meghan Markle has publicly shared her latest reading choice, a poetry book titled “The Bloom Because of You,” which explores the profound journey of motherhood. The book, penned by New Zealand poet Jessica Urlichs, was a gift from one of Meghan’s close friends, whom she affectionately refers to as her “mom friend.” This endorsement has left the author in a state of pleasant surprise, as Markle’s influence extends the reach of her work significantly.

On a serene spring day in Montecito, California, the Duchess of Sussex posted an Instagram video where she could be seen leisurely flipping through the pages of the poetry collection. She softly praised the book, describing it as “so good.” This collection is heralded as a heartfelt tribute to the essence of motherhood, capturing the emotional depth and significance of this life-changing role.

In the video, Meghan had marked several pages by folding their corners, notably one that featured the poem “Vows I Didn’t Write,” which contemplates the intricacies of marriage. Following Meghan’s public appreciation, Jessica Urlichs expressed her gratitude on Instagram, stating she was “honored beyond words” by such recognition. Meghan further engaged with Urlichs by commenting on her post, acknowledging that her friend Christina had introduced her to the book, which she now considers her “current bedside book.” She graciously thanked the author, signing off with, “From one mama to another – thank you.”

Meghan previously revealed she was struggling to find the time to read. During an interview on The Circuit with Bloomberg’s Emily Chang last August, Meghan stopped by the Godmothers bookstore in Montecito. Walking through the space, Meghan admitted she hadn’t gotten stuck into a book she enjoys in a ‘long time.’ She claimed her main priority at the moment was ‘kids’ books and parenting books’. The interview was aired ahead of the release of season two of Meghan’s Netflix show, which has since been cancelled by the streamer.

The Christmas special attracted scathing reviews from critics, who accused Meghan of being ‘out of touch’ in the ‘tectonically tacky’ show. In the wake of Netflix axing the cookery show, Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever has also split from the California-based media giant. The Duchess of Sussex announced a partnership with the company a year ago when it commissioned a new season of her show, With Love, Meghan. The deal gave Netflix a stake As Ever, which includes her jam, rosé wine and flower sprinkles. Insiders claim Meghan thought Netflix was being too ‘cautious’ and wants to ‘go global’, believing her brand can ‘stand on its own’. Meanwhile, insiders at Netflix were ‘not happy’ with the brand because customers showed ‘no appetite’ for it.

The Netflix source told the Daily Mail that there has been some consternation at their HQ in Sunset Boulevard over claims Meghan felt they had been ‘too cautious’ with her As Ever brand – and had held her back. ‘Netflix were not happy’, the Daily Mail’s insider said today. The source claimed that Netflix had considered how they could sell As Ever products in their two new bricks and mortar stores in Philadelphia and Dallas in the US – off the back of her TV show With Love, Meghan. But it never happened. ‘They were not happy with the fact that no one really cared about the brand – so when they were looking to create As Ever areas in Netflix House there was no appetite for it’, the source claimed. ‘It just didn’t fit with Squid Game or Stranger Things or Bridgerton like they had hoped.’ Commenting on the end of the partnership deal, a spokesperson for As Ever said: ‘We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As ever is now ready to stand on its own.’