The Duchess of York and daughter Beatrice have wowed youngsters and literature fans on a visit to Barnes.

Pupils at Lowther Primary welcomed Sarah, the Duchess of York to the school on Friday, where she opened its wonderful new library.

Credit: Lowther Primary School.

Later they both attended the Barnes Bookshop for a signing of the duchess's new historical novel – A Most Intriguing Lady - for publisher Mills & Boon.

The duchess was surrounded by cheering youngsters at Lowther as she cut the red ribbon to formally declare the library open.

Duchess and daughter, Beatrice, at the book signing. Credit: Barnes Bookshop.

Tweeting about the event, the school said: "Wow! Our wonderful library is now officially open after the fantastic Duchess of York @SarahTheDuchess spent an unforgettable morning with us, engaging with all our fantastic pupils and parents before cutting the ribbon!

"We loved celebrating reading with our special guest!"

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Later in the day the duchess and Beatrice chatted to locals for the book signing at the Barnes Bookshop. The shop said: "We were thrilled to welcome Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, accompanied by her daughter HRH Princess Beatrice, for a special signing of her latest historical mystery romance."