Duchess of Cambridge to read CBeebies Bedtime Story

The Duchess of Cambridge has become the latest famous guest to read the CBeebies Bedtime Story.

BBC's preschooler channel segment often sees well-known people stop into the studio to read out a book aired just before the channel goes off air at bedtime.

Kate has recorded a reading of modern children’s classic The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, written by Jill Tomlinson and illustrated by Paul Howard, to mark Children’s Mental Health Week.

The duchess is following in the footsteps of Hollywood stars Chris Evans and Reese Witherspoon; Foo Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl; and British actor, Tom Hiddleston, who have all appeared on CBeebies Bedtime Stories.

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Her episode is due to air on Sunday at 6.50pm, marking the end of the campaign week to highlight the importance of the issue and Kate has picked Tomlinson’s book as the story chimes with this years’ theme of Growing Together.

She can be seen sitting on a rug by a fire dressed in jeans and a Fair Isle jumper, accompanied by soft toy owls and a hot chocolate, while reading the story about Plop, a baby barn owl, who is helped by others to grow in confidence and overcome his fears.

Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s and Education, said: “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.

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“It’s such a special and relevant tale and perfectly represents this years’ Children’s Mental Health week theme. I can’t wait to see her deliver her own take on such a classic story and I’m sure our audience can’t either.”

Children and adults are being encouraged to consider how they have grown emotionally for the national campaign week, recognising that trying new things can help people move beyond their comfort zones.

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark read by the duchess on CBeebies Bedtime Stories will be screened at 6.50pm on Sunday.

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