The Duchess of Cambridge donned a comfy sweater to record the tale of a somewhat atypical owl. PA Media
The Duchess of Cambridge donned a comfy sweater to record the tale of a somewhat atypical owl. PA Media
The Duchess of Cambridge donned a comfy sweater to record the tale of a somewhat atypical owl. PA Media
The Duchess of Cambridge donned a comfy sweater to record the tale of a somewhat atypical owl. PA Media

Kate Middleton guests on 'CBeebies Bedtime Stories' to mark Children's Mental Health Week


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The Duchess of Cambridge has followed in the illustrious footsteps of Ryan Reynolds, Tom Hardy, Dave Grohl and many other celebrities by recording a bedtime story for CBeebies.

Sitting cross-legged on a rug, Kate narrates the modern children's classic The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, by Jill Tomlinson, to mark Children's Mental Health Week.

For the broadcast on the BBC's channel for young children, the duchess wears jeans and a comfy jumper, and appears to be sitting in the corner of a green space, with a hot chocolate within reach, two soft toy owls for company and a fire bowl burning away.

"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," said Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children's and Education.

"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."

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, illustrated by Paul Howard, tells the story of Plop, a baby barn owl who is helped by others to grow in confidence and overcome his fears.

Children's Mental Health Week is a national event in the UK that aims to highlight the importance of the issue and Kate, whose reading will be screened on Sunday, picked Ms Tomlinson's book as the story chimes with this year's theme of Growing Together.

Young people and adults are being encouraged to consider how they have grown emotionally, 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 GMT on Sunday.

Celebrities who have appeared on 'CBeebies Bedtime Stories' - in pictures

  • British actor and 'Venom' star Tom Hardy is one of many celebrities who have appeared on 'CBeebies Bedtime Stories'. AFP
    British actor and 'Venom' star Tom Hardy is one of many celebrities who have appeared on 'CBeebies Bedtime Stories'. AFP
  • Foo Fighters singer and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. Reuters
    Foo Fighters singer and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. Reuters
  • Star of 'The Morning Show' and 'Legally Blonde' Reese Witherspoon. Reuters
    Star of 'The Morning Show' and 'Legally Blonde' Reese Witherspoon. Reuters
  • Chris Evans, who is best know for playing 'Captain America' in the Marvel movie franchise. AP
    Chris Evans, who is best know for playing 'Captain America' in the Marvel movie franchise. AP
  • Country music star Dolly Parton. AP
    Country music star Dolly Parton. AP
  • Tom Hiddleston, who played 'Loki' in Marvel's 'Thor' movies. AP
    Tom Hiddleston, who played 'Loki' in Marvel's 'Thor' movies. AP
  • British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. AP
    British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. AP
  • Star of 'Deadpool' Ryan Reynolds. AFP
    Star of 'Deadpool' Ryan Reynolds. AFP
  • Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne. AP
    Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne. AP
  • 'Bridgerton' actor Rege-Jean Page. Getty Images
    'Bridgerton' actor Rege-Jean Page. Getty Images
Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

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(Kemosabe)

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The biog

Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists. 

Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.

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Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Updated: February 07, 2022, 10:30 PM