Meghan reads Duck! Rabbit! to Archie for Save with Stories initiative

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a video of Meghan reading son Archie Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Chronicle Books) for his first birthday, in support of the Save with Stories initiative.

The initiative was set up by charity Save the Children, to raise money for children around the world who have been hardest hit by Covid-19, while recognising the impact of the pandemic on education. The campaign sees celebrities read favourite children’s books on Instagram and across social media channels.

Marking their son's first birthday, a spokesperson for the Sussexes said: “The family is participating in the campaign across both the US and UK to help bring much-needed support to children who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As they celebrate this family moment, the Duke and Duchess wanted to continue to raise awareness around the urgency of bringing food and learning resources to millions of children.”

Gemma Sherrington, fundraising director at Save the Children UK, said: “Many national education systems already face considerable challenges as a result of conflict and displacement, environmental emergencies and a lack of funding. COVID-19 further compounds these challenges. Countries are under huge pressure in responding to the pandemic, and education budgets risk being reduced.

"We’re delighted that the Duke and Duchess have chosen to focus attention on the need to protect a generation of children from the consequences of Covid-19."