EXCLUSIVE: Sarah, Duchess of York on her sweet relationship with her daughters and being a ‘funny’ granny

You’ve dedicated your new book, What’s Under Your Hat, Granny?, to grandmothers across the world. How has becoming a granny changed your life?

Every minute is so precious. To be granny is to be a great support to my beautiful girls who are incredible mothers. I am so proud of my children. They are really doing well.

I can be their support, whether that means cleaning broccoli off the floor when [Eugenie’s son] August throws it, or that I cut up Beatrice’s lunch while she’s breastfeeding. I’m happy to be a nanny for my girls.

What kind of granny are you?

The world makes cliched comments about being a grandmother. You can hand them back, you don’t have to stay up all night – all true, but not for me. It’s easy to turn to negativity, or say, ‘I’m tired,’ or, ‘I can’t do it.’

What do your grandchildren think of you?

Sienna is [now 13] weeks old and August is [now 10] months old. They find me funny. When Sienna smiles, you know it’s a genuine smile. They’re genuinely laughing with you or smiling with you. The innocence of children is that they are genuine.

What advice did you give your children on parenthood?

Be present. With the girls, qthey remember very clearly when I closed the door to their nursery, I wouldn’t let anyone in with bad energy. Children are happy, they should not have to take on adult worries. Leave your problems at the door. When they were 18, I took them to a teenager cancer unit to teach them to hold the hand of a young teenager who was struggling.

What advice have you passed on to them as new mums?

Don’t try to do too much as you will get tired and anxious… we are here, ask us. If I can’t do it, someone else can – even if it’s the washing and ironing.

What is different about the way they parent and how you parented them?

My daughters parent the same way I did, but in a modern world. They keep their children to good routines.

What’s your favourite childhood memory?

My sister Jane and I used to play dolls – Sindy and Paul. They had a red Aston Martin type car we would tie a string to and run around the garden.

When it comes to writing children’s books, where do you get your ideas?

I have a strong imagination and… I’ve been writing since I was very young. When I got to being a mother I used to tell stories to my girls. I used to write [them] down.

Where did your inspiration come from for What’s Under Your Hat, Granny?

The book is like Hansel And Gretel. I added drama and trepidation. The two children have to decide which road to take. Are they going to take the dark road or not?

Where did you get the idea for Puddle Boots Christmas?

From jumping in puddles! We needed a good Christmas story, and we know that the Puddle Boots story works well, and so the book is all about a journey into the snow and meeting Father Christmas.

What do you love most about the festive season?

“Every day is Christmas” is what I say to my girls. The festive season, for me, is to watch every Hallmark Christmas show there is. I love to make cakes, gingerbread men, the art of giving and dressing the tree. I love the ribbon-matching, the paper…

Out of all your achievements, what are you most proud of?

Many things. To watch the bus go past with Emily Blunt’s face for The Young Victoria – I pushed to make this film. Budgie The Helicopter, as I’ve flown a helicopter and created the book series. I’m also proud of [Sarah’s other book series] Little Red, as Little Red fights for children’s rights. Of course, my children, my marriage to Prince Andrew – so many things to be proud of!