Britain's Royal book give - away

May 11, 2006, 18:12 GMT

Britain's Countess of Wessex is to launch a book give-away for children's charity.

The royal will officially open the 'Children's Party at the Palace/National Literacy Trust Book Pool' next month (06.06), which will give away more than 12,000 books to under-privileged children.

The charity is supported by Waterstone's bookstore at St Ethelbert's Catholic Primary School in Slough, England.

The event is part of Britain's National Literacy Trust's 'Reading is Fundamental UK' initiative, which celebrates its 10 th anniversary this year.

On the big day St Ethelbert's school is set to be taken over by book fever.

According to royal.gov.uk, on her arrival, the red - haired countess will be greeted by children and given a tour of the facilities.

A writers' workshop will be running through the day to produce a story about 'The Day the Countess Visited'.

More than 100 children at the school will then be presented with a book by their royal guest - each containing a specially designed book plate featuring the Children's Party at the Palace logo, the 'Reading Is Fundamental UK' logo, and the child's name.

All children will be allowed to choose their own book.

Meanwhile, another member of British royalty is set to launch her own book.

Britain's Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is to write a novel inspired by important people in her life.

The memoir, which is set to be published in New York, will be based on people who have had major influence on the Duchess' life.

A source told dailysnack.com: 'Someone else will be doing the writing but Sarah will be doing the remembering.

'She is currently in talks with New York publishers about the book, which will contain characters based on people who have featured strongly in her life.'

Last year the Duchess was reportedly planning to release a tell - all biography.

The project - which Ferguson was tipped to be paid £1million for - has since been shelved.

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