The first look at Kate Middleton 's eagerly-anticipated appearance on CBeebies has been revealed, as the Duchess of Cambridge sharing an 'encouraging' bedtime story with viewers.
Kate dressed down for the BBC's story telling slot to mark Children’s Mental Health Week and appears in a mock wooded area wearing a cosy Fair Isle jumper paired with denim jeans.
Reading the modern classic The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark, by Jill Tomlinson, the royal sits comfortably cross legged on a blanket with only two soft toy owls for company and a lit fire bowl.
In a clip from the recording, Kate tells viewers: “Wow, what an encouraging tale.
"We can all feel scared sometimes just like our little owl friend Plop, but as Mrs Barn Own said: "It’s better to find out about the things that scare us before we make up our mind."
"And with the help of others, we can often face things that worry us. Now it’s time for bed. Night night and sleep tight."
And as a mum-of-three children Kate has had plenty of opportunity to practise her good night storytelling as body language expert Judi James offers further insight into the royal's CBeebies debut.
Judi begins by comparing Kate's tone of delivery to her other footage of royals' children's story telling as she explains:
"For Fergie it was a slightly eccentric tone and for Meghan it was a much more personal approach, with her own small son wriggling on her lap, but for Kate the storytelling body language looks like an ideal blend of maternal but also reassuring and firm in terms of leadership as she reads from a book about helping to rid children of their fears."
"Her cross-legs on the floor pose suggests (as well as impressive flexibility) coming to her young audience’s level to communicate which would create feelings of empathy and understanding."
"Her lifted chin and the way she emphasises her words with a clasped hand baton shows she is quietly in charge though, making her look like a protective presence.
She continues: "It’s the widening of her eyes as she tells her audience it’s time for bed that hints at Kate’s real skills as a mum of three though.
"This is a powerful hint that she’s a mum to be obeyed as well as a smiling and loving-looking presence. It would let small children know that she’s serious, despite the warm smile that follows." the body language expert told.
The duchess is following in the footsteps of Hollywood star Chris Evans, best known for playing Captain America, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and British actor Tom Hiddleston, who have all appeared on the same story telling line up.
The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark read by the duchess on CBeebies Bedtime Stories will be screened at 6.50pm on Sunday.
