Check out Kate Middleton's favourite stories to read to her three children

Virgin Radio

4 Mar 2022, 14:40

If you fancy following in the literary footsteps of the Duchess of Cambridge, now you can. The mum-of-three has revealed her chosen books to read to her kids.

Joining forces with Camilla to help launch a children’s section for the Duchess of Cornwall’s Reading Room website on World Book Day yesterday, Kate's ultimate picks included Stig of the Dump, The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, Charlotte’s Web, the Katie Morag series by Mairi Hedderwick and Feelings by Libby Walden.

The Duchess has read the books to her offspring George, eight, Charlotte, six, and three-year-old Louis.

Last month, CBeebies viewers were treated to watching Kate read bedtime story The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark.

On picking Stig of The Dump by Clive King, she said: "As a child I loved spending time outdoors, making dens, digging, discovering and making things out of odds and ends.

"Whether this was why my father recommended this book to me or whether this book inspired my imagination, I can’t remember, but I have never forgotten this brilliant book and the values it teaches."

The Duchess said about Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White: "An all-time classic and loved in our house for obvious reasons.

"This is a charming story about friendship, loyalty and love."

Kate also picked The Katie Morag Series by Mairi Hedderwick. Another favourite was Feelings by Libby Walden.

She said: "This little book is a wonderful way to help children understand and recognise their feelings and emotions, and brings to life the importance of empathy."

She continued: "Fun stories for children of all ages and a great book for older children to read to younger siblings.

"These books are filled with captivating and beautiful illustrations to accompany the text so there’s lots to talk about."

Last week, Camilla shared her own pick of children’s books including Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, The Explorer by Katherine Rundell, Gangsta Granny by David Walliams and When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr.

She said: “Reading for pleasure is, we know, the biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income.

"And yet there are still approximately 400,000 children in our country who don’t have a book of their own.”

She added: “World Book Day is a brilliant way to prove how much fun and escapism can be found in a good book.”

Best get reading.