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

Duchess of Cambridge narrates the children's classic 'The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark'

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

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

Updated: February 07, 2022, 10:30 PM