Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York 'saddened' as she makes passionate plea for children

Sarah, Duchess of York has spoken exclusively to the Mirror about her drive to ensure that every child has access to books following the news she is to become a grandmother again

Sarah, Duchess of York admits it makes her "sad" that some children are left struggling.

The Duchess, 64, has been busy in recent years and has turned her hand to becoming a best selling author – all while juggling being a grandmother. Her daughter Princess Beatrice, 36, is mum to Sienna, while her youngest, Princess Eugenie is a mum to August and Ernest.

But while the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is known for sharing her love of reading with her grandchildren, the philanthropist admits it upsets her that some children have no books in their family 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 per cent of five-year-olds are not reading to the expected levels."

Speaking about her work with the Children's Literacy Charity as their patron, the Duchess added: "That's why I work with the Children's Literacy Charity as patron. They provide specially-trained literacy tutors to work with the most disadvantaged children in society to help them close their literacy gap. I've written over 70 books now, many of them for children, including my latest, Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods, which is out this week."

But it's not just reading that the Duchess is passionate about. In recent years, Brits have seen the downfall of the high street, with huge brands and independent stores being forced to close their doors due to the cost of bills as well as a decline in people visiting shops.

"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 said. The Duchess will be meeting fans at the book shop which is a short drive from her idyllic home, Royal Lodge, on the Windsor Castle Estate.

However, she is also helping children to ensure the next generation do not go without books through her work via her charity, Sarah's Trust. She told me: "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."

Last week, the royal struggled to contain her joy after Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were expecting their second child. The new royal baby 11th in line to the throne and will be a little brother or sister for the couple's three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Edo's son and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie. Fergie took to her Instagram page, where she shared a heartwarming family snap of her daughter and granddaughter Sienna.

She captioned the photo: "A very proud GiGi/Mum today. Such an incredible blessing and an embrace to my heart. Wolfie, August, Ernie and Sienna will be over the moon to have the fifth member of the five aside!" In addition, she also wrote: "Darling Beatrice. Words can't quite express the joy and excitement I feel as you and Edo prepare to welcome another precious addition to your beautiful family. Becoming a granny again fills my heart with so much happiness and gratitude. Watching you grow as a mother has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and now to see your family blossom further is an absolute blessing.

"Our family is growing, and so too is the love that surrounds us. I cannot wait to meet this little one and to see in all the wonderful memories we will make together. All my love."

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