Sarah, Duchess of York, on Children’s Literacy Struggles and Her Efforts to Help: “It Makes Me So Sad”
Sarah, Duchess of York, has opened up about the challenges some children face, particularly when it comes to access to books. At 64, the Duchess has successfully transitioned into a best-selling author while also embracing her role as a grandmother. Her eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, 36, is the mother of Sienna, and her younger daughter, Princess Eugenie, has two sons, August and Ernest.
Despite the joy she finds in sharing her love of reading with her grandchildren, the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is troubled by the fact that many children lack books in their homes. Speaking to The Mirror following the news that Beatrice is set to welcome her second child, Sarah said, “It’s so important that we do everything we can to enthuse the next generation about reading. It makes me so sad to know that one in 12 children don’t have a single book at home and 30 percent of five-year-olds are not reading to the expected levels.”
The Duchess, who serves as a patron for the Children’s Literacy Charity, highlighted her dedication to the cause. “That’s why I work with the Children’s Literacy Charity as a patron. They provide specially-trained literacy tutors to work with the most disadvantaged children in society to help them close their literacy gap,” she explained. Sarah, who has authored over 70 books, many of which are for children, shared that her latest book, Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods, is out this week.
Sarah’s passion extends beyond literacy. As a supporter of independent bookshops, she is committed to promoting these businesses, especially as the high street faces decline. “I’m passionate about supporting independent bookshops, so I’m very pleased to be marking Bookshop Day this year by doing a signing at Gerrards Cross Bookshop in Buckinghamshire – do join me if you can,” she announced. The signing event will be held at a bookshop not far from her home, Royal Lodge, located on the Windsor Castle Estate.
In addition to her public engagements, the Duchess is also making a personal effort through her own charity, Sarah’s Trust. “I’ll also be sending some of my books to local schools through my own charity Sarah’s Trust. Bookshop Day represents an opportunity for everyone across the UK and Ireland to support bookshops in whatever way they can – whether that’s by visiting their local independent bookshop in person, buying from the shop’s website, or participating in a bookshop event on the day,” she noted.
The royal family recently celebrated joyful news as Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, announced they are expecting their second child. This new royal baby will be 11th in line to the throne, joining their three-year-old daughter, Sienna, and Edo’s eight-year-old son, Wolfie, from his previous relationship. Sarah, affectionately known as “Fergie,” shared a heartwarming family photo of Beatrice and Sienna on her Instagram to celebrate the announcement.