Princess Beatrice says she grew up with an ‘incredible children’s author mother’ as she gushes about Sarah Ferguson while reading to Croydon schoolchildren

Princess Beatrice gushed about her ‘incredible’ mum Sarah Ferguson as she visited school children in south London on Wednesday.

The King, 35, read to Reception and Year One children during a surprise trip to West Thornton Primary School in Croydon, where he praised the Duchess of York and talked about her extensive book collection for the children.

“I grew up with an incredible mother as a children’s author, so the stories really created that sense of imagination,” said the child’s mother.

‘I really appreciate what stories can do, that special moment of quality, that moment at the end of the day, but also how important reading in general is for young people.

“Making sure we can do everything we can to make sure these books get into the hands of those who need it most.”

Beatrice went for a casual yet chic look in a simple black and white patterned dress teamed with a cropped blue denim jacket with puffed sleeves.

She accessorized with simple silver hoops and a gold bracelet.

She looked in high spirits as she sat down with a class of children and read When Dinosaurs Walked the Earth by Sean Taylor and Zehra Hicks.

The picture book is the winner of the 2024 Academy Award for the Book, and the mother is the Royal Patron of the award.

He also sat down with the class to take a look at the other books shortlisted for the prize and chatted with the students about their own reading habits.

Beatrice discussed the importance of picture books in stimulating children’s imaginations and how they can provide quality moments for families to come together at the end of the day.

She said: “I got involved with the Oscar’s Book Award a long time ago. This year’s winner keeps the reader guessing, you never really know what will happen.

“Spreads humor and a sense of adventure, especially when dealing with dinosaurs.”

Beatrice looked delighted as she sat down with the pupils and spoke to them in their classrooms.

She wore her aubrum tresses in a wavy blow-dry and opted to wear her smokey eyeshadow and natural make-up.

The king is married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and the two have a two-year-old daughter together, named Sienna.

Beatrice is also stepmother to 8-year-old Wolfie, who has accompanied her to several events with the Firm.

Jonathan Owen, headteacher at West Thornton Primary School said: “The diversity of subjects covered in children’s books is greater than ever, and this year’s Oscar Book Award nominees are no exception.

“We loved reading them together and it was an absolute delight to have HRH Princess Beatrice visit and read this year’s winning book – it’s sure to be a storytime to remember.”

Beatrice braved the pouring rain and attended a garden party with Zara Tindall and Prince William on Tuesday.

Around 8,000 people were invited to one of the summer highlights of the royal calendar.

Showing a united front, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and Zara Tindall all opted for matching white and pink outfits as they attended the glamorous occasion in London.

Zara, 43, who was joined by husband Mike Tindall, channeled her inner Eliza Doolittle in a stunning £1,500 Laura Green London Isobel dress in white with added pink buttons.

Looking equally radiant, Beatrice, 35, stunned in a £662.50 Beulah London Christina dress in crimson, teamed with a £645 Emily-London bejeweled headband.

Her sister, 34, also put on a stylish display in a white Ulla Johnson dress and pink headband, also by Emily-London.

Meanwhile, Zara completed her stylish ensemble with a sophisticated Rosa Boater hat and pink suede heels.