Princess Beatrice offered a glimpse into her bedtime routine with her young daughter Sienna during a surprise visit to West Thornton Primary School in Croydon, South London on Wednesday.
The King’s niece, who shares two-year-old Sienna with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, as well as stepson Wolfie, was visiting the school in her capacity as patron of Oscar’s Book Prize.
Beatrice enthusiastically participated in storytime, reading the 2024 winning book, “When Dinosaurs Walked the Earth” by Sean Taylor and Zehra Hicks, to the captivated Year One schoolchildren.
During the visit, the royal mother praised her own mother, Sarah, Duchess of York, who has authored numerous children’s books as well as novels for adults.
“I grew up with an incredible mum as a children’s author, so stories really created that sense of imagination,” she said, adding: “I really appreciate what stories can do, that special quality time, that moment at the end of the day.”
She added: “But also how important it is for reading, in general for young people, so making sure that we can do everything that we can to really make sure that these books really get into the hands of those that need it the most.”
During the unexpected school visit, Beatrice also sat with the children to review the other shortlisted books and learn more about the students’ reading habits.
The headteacher at West Thornton Primary School, Jonathan Owen, said: “The diversity of topics covered in children’s books is greater than ever, and those shortlisted for this year’s Oscar’s Book Prize were no exception to that.
“We have loved reading them together and it was an absolute delight to have HRH Princess Beatrice visit and read this year’s winning book – it certainly will be a story time to remember!”
The visit marked the recent launch of Oscar’s Book Club, in which Oscar’s Book Prize and its sponsor, Amazon, are donating this year’s shortlisted books to schools and nurseries nationwide through the Amazon Reading Volunteer network.
