Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh Follows Kate Middleton's Lead with Rare Media Appearance

Mar. 15, 2025

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburghwill appear on a children’s show to read a bedtime story for a special cause, just likeKate Middletondid nearly two years ago.

On Oct. 4, BBC announced that the Duchess of Edinburgh, 59, will read a CBeebies Bedtime Story for the program of the same name for World Sight Day on Thursday, Oct. 10.Prince Edward’s wife is a passionate advocate for the sight loss community, and the elimination of avoidable blindness is a priority of her royal work.

“Millions of us need glasses to see the world clearly. World Sight Day is a reminder to all of us to take care of our eyes, whether we need glasses or not. Our eyes are precious, and our sight is something to cherish and look after. So, let’s remember to take care of our eyes this World Sight Day,” Sophie said in a trailer forCBeebies Bedtime Stories, the networksaid.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh on “CBeebies Bedtime Stories.".BBC/Guy Levy

BBC/Guy Levy

​Sophie put her passion into action for the sight loss community after becoming a parent. Her daughter,Lady Louise Windsor, 20, was born premature and had surgery for esotropia, a condition in which one or both eyes point inward. In the years since, Sophie’s charitable work on behalf of premature infants and avoidable eye conditions has taken heraround the world. She supports several organizations related to eye care and is known to commemorate World Sight Day.

Kate Middleton on “Cbeebies Bedtime Stories” in February 2022.kensington palace

The royallater revealedthroughQueen Camilla’s online book club thatThe Owl Who Was Afraid of the Darkwas a favorite book from her own childhood, and that she enjoyed reading it to her childrenPrince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6, whom she shares with husbandPrince William.

“I loved this book as a little girl, and listening to my own children reading it has brought back so many wonderful memories. A comforting story to help children face their fears and grow in confidence with the help of others,” Princess Kate said that March.

Frank Augstein - WPA Pool/Getty Images

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While fans will have to wait another week to see Sophie readSpecs for Rex, another organization with a royal connection shared the exciting news that the duchess will be their new patron.

“We’re proud to announce that HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh is our new patron,” Girlguiding revealed onXon Oct. 3. “The Duchess has been a passionate supporter of Girlguiding for many years since taking over the role of president fromPrincess Margaretin 2003.”

source: people.com