‘I'M SO PROUD OF MY GIRLS'

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.