Thomas the Tank Engine has been a staple of children’s books for decades, and Princess Anne has taken up the mantle to read a children’s book for a good cause.
The Princess Royal read the book as patron of Save the Children, to help raise funds for the charity’s coronavirus appeal; this is their Save with Stories reading series. This is the final installation of the series, to help support those most-affected by the pandemic, with food, clothing and other basics.
Anne thanked those who had supported the campaign already, before
Thomas and the Royal Engine with The Queen’s daughter gave us an insight into her as a grandmother-of-four: Savannah and Isla Phillips, and Mia and Lena Tindall.
Charmingly, Anne said: “Sadly, you’ll miss the pictures… it is a very colourful book,” and proceeded to show us the illustrations and Thomas himself.
The Princess Royal has been a supporter of the charity since 1970; Anne is both president and patron, having take on The Queen’s patron role in 2016, when a number of patronages were shed as she turned 90.
The story follows the famous blue engine as he took the Fat Controller to meet her mother – The Queen!
“I hope you’re sitting comfortably,” she added, clearly her throat and shuffling her own position, before exploring the story of the royal train.
We also saw a charming photo of Anne with her elder brother Prince Charles, as she sat and faced the camera. The snap comes from April 2018, and the formal opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The photo was then used by Clarence House to mark The Prince of Wales’ 70th birthday last year.
Anne signed off by telling us this was a tale she enjoyed as a child, and thanking everyone for their support.
Watch the reading below; you can text STORIES to 70008 to give a one-off donation of £5 to Save the Children.