It’s a story time students that PS 123 will never forget: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met with kids in Harlem on Friday morning, one of several stops on the couple's visit to the city.
Markle read her new children’s book “The Bench.” It’s a story about the bond between father and son seen through a mother’s eyes.
PS 123 is a school that services 12 shelters. Seven of those shelters are for families escaping domestic violence.
James Reynolds, an art teacher at the school, told us the visit was a surprise to everyone and the opportunity of a lifetime for these kids.
“We just got back into school after a year and a half and the kids were really excited,” Reynolds said. “It was really a marvelous experience to have them come and for her to read. She said the only other time she’s read the book is to her own children.”
The visit was not without controversy. Part of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit was to promote vaccine equity. A small group of anti-vaxxers protested outside of the school yard during the visit.
Harry and Meghan’s charity, Archewell Foundation, stocked the school’s food pantry, and also donated a washing machine and dryer so school staff can wash the students' uniforms.