Kate joins Camilla's book club
The Duchess of Cambridge shares her favourite kids' classics
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has joined forces with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to launch a children’s book club. We already love Camilla’s Reading Room and now our kids can join in, as Catherine has listed her favourite children’s classics, for World Book Day.
Her top reads include Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White, which she says is loved in their house, particularly by its namesake, Princess Charlotte.
Here are her picks:
Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White (1952): We challenge anyone to read this and not cry. Catherine says, “An all-time classic and loved in our house for obvious reasons! This is a charming story about friendship, loyalty and love.”
The Owl Who Was Afraid of The Dark, by Jill Tomlinson (1968): The Duchess read this book for CBeebies and says, “I loved this book as a little girl and listening to my own children reading it has brought back so many wonderful memories. A comforting story to help children face their fears and grow in confidence with the help of others.”
Stig of the Dump, by Clive King (1963): We remember reading this when we were young and Catherine says, “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.”
Katie Morag stories, by Mairi Hedderwick (1984-2007): These lovely stories always make us yearn for a big sweater. Catherine says, “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!”
Feelings, by Libby Walden (2016): The final book is a modern pick, especially for children’s mental health. “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,” says Catherine.
Meanwhile, will Kate be re-reading some of these books to another baby in the future? After last week’s The Royal List observation, we couldn’t help noticing she was joking about babies again, whilst in Wales with Prince William on Tuesday… Just say yes, William, say royal fans.
The Queen rallies
We were delighted to hear the Queen has recovered from Covid as the palace confirmed she was back to work, undertaking virtual engagements earlier this week.
Prince Charles told well-wishers in Southend that the monarch is feeling “a lot better,” and only suffered a mild illness.
She left isolation last weekend and it was reported she met up with some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the grounds of Frogmore House on the Windsor Estate, including Prince William and Catherine, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, as well as Princess Beatrice and her baby daughter Sienna.
Diana unseen portrait is unveiled
A stunning black and white portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales, is on display in Kensington Palace, her former beloved home. Taken by renowned photographer, David Bailey back in 1988, it was part of a commission by the National Portrait Gallery but this image was kept by Bailey and has never been seen in public.
You can view this unusual shot of a “reserved” and “stoic” Diana at the Life Through a Royal Lens exhibition, open until October 30. The images explore the Royal Family’s relationship with the camera, from Queen Victoria until the present day. Tickets on sale here.
Royal Family stands with Ukraine
As the world shows its support for the country invaded by Russia, Her Majesty has made a private donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) humanitarian fund. News of her gift became known when the charity publicly thanked the Queen.
The monarch is the latest in the Royal Family to demonstrate support for Ukraine. Prince William and Catherine, along with Prince Charles have also donated privately to the organisation - made up of 15 charities – which has so far raised £85 million to provide emergency relief to displaced Ukrainians. The Duchess of Cornwall made a ‘substantial’ donation to the Daily Mail’s refugee campaign.
During a visit to a Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London on Wednesday, Prince Charles said he and Camilla were “deeply moved” by “extraordinary bravery, generosity and fortitude of the Ukrainian community in the face of such truly terrible aggression”. Last Saturday, William and Catherine personally tweeted their solidarity and were thanked by President Zelenskyy.
Please spare any amount you can to help the people of Ukraine by donating here. Every pound will be matched by the UK government, up to the value of £20 million.
Find the corgi
Finally, some happier news to finish this week’s newsletter. How cute is this idea - the Women’s Institute has launched a find a corgi competition, where winners can get tickets for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Members are encouraged to knit a corgi and hide it in their communities and a special one will be created for the platinum prize. The pattern was created by WI member Hannah Joyce.
The Queen has been a member of the WI for almost 80 years, having joined in 1943. She is President of Sandringham WI and attends their January meeting each year. The Queen Mother was also a member of Sandringham WI from its earliest days.