The Duchess of Cambridge has been announced as the latest celebrity to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story, in honor of Children’s Mental Health Week.
She follows in the footsteps of celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hardy from Hollywood, Regé-Jean Page from Bridgerton, and singers Ed Sheeran and Dolly Parton from the music industry, all of whom have delighted young viewers – and their parents.
Kate is seen sitting cross-legged on a rug near a fire pit, reading Jill Tomlinson’s The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, in a cozy Fair Isle roll-neck sweater by Holland & Cooper and jeans.
She chose the book because it reflects this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme of Growing Together, which is illustrated by Paul Howard.
The Duchess smiles at the camera, holding a hot chocolate and two soft toy owls, while one of the show’s trademarks soft yellow bugs watches from inside a den made of tree branches behind her.
Nature-fan Kate is well-known for her love of building dens with her kids and is a firm believer in the mental health benefits of spending time outside.
“I couldn’t be more proud to have the Duchess read a CBeebies Bedtime Story as we mark the 20th anniversary of our CBeebies and CBBC channels,” Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s and Education, said.
“It’s such a unique and timely story that perfectly encapsulates the theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week.” I can’t wait to see her tell this classic story in her own unique way, and I’m sure our audience can’t either.”
A themed week is a national event that has been taking place annually since 2015, when it was founded by the charity Place2Be, of which Kate is a royal patron.
This year, adults and children are encouraged to reflect on their emotional development, how trying new things can help people move beyond their comfort zones, and how challenges and setbacks can help them mature and adapt.
