It's been a busy week for Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Only four days after the birth of her daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, the actress-turned-royal's children's book, The Bench, has been released.
Hitting physical and virtual shelves on Tuesday, the book was written by Markle and illustrated by artist Christian Robinson. It is also accompanied by an audiobook narrated by the duchess.
The story is about the relationship between a father and son, inspired by her husband Prince Harry and their son Archie, 2, and features an illustration of the pair holding hands.
A preview of the book's inside cover featuring the illustration was shared by US photographer Gray Malin, who was gifted an advance copy by the former Suits star's office.
Markle announced she was to release a children's book last month.
"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," the duchess said when revealing the book.
"My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the make up, as much as it does with mine."
Not without controversy, the Los Angeles-born duchess was accused of plagiarism, as many on Twitter were quick to point out the similarities between the title, artwork and even storyline of UK author Corrinne Averiss's 2018 book The Boy on the Bench.
Averiss, however, defended Markle 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."
The couple welcomed a baby girl last Friday. The newborn, named Lilibet Diana, is to go by Lili, and is named after her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet. Her middle name is a tribute to her grandmother, the late Princess Diana.
'The Bench' is available to order on Amazon.ae for Dh99.92
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Company name: OneOrder
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Smart words at Make Smart Cool
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now
Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.
The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.
1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):
a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33
b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.
2. For those who have worked more than five years
c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.
Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.
