No one, not even the kids, can escape the plague of celebrity self-promotion under lockdown

The latest of these famous ‘helpers’ is Sarah Ferguson, who tells us she will be reading a children’s story every day on her YouTube channel

The Duchess of York announced she will be reading a children’s story every day on her YouTube channel (Getty/BFI)

Sometimes I am glad not to be a child.

So many older people think they know what will keep you happy and occupied, even when you’d rather be moping about doodling or playing in mud.

Celebrities are cashing in during the current lockdown by “helping” housebound parents deal with their bored offspring, offering exercise classes, cooking tips and bedtime stories – and many of them have merchandise to flog to this captive audience.

The latest of these famous “helpers” is Sarah, Duchess of York, who tells us she will be reading a children’s story every day on her YouTube channel.

Last week, the Duchess was photographed with her ex, Prince Andrew, packing bags for a local hospice. The pictures were taken by her PA and posted on Instagram – I wonder if being the PA to a former royal constitutes an “essential worker”?

Now Sarah’s loyal PA has photographed her at home doing “chores” – mopping the floors and washing up and posted them online. Wow, where’s Andrew, I hear you chorus – is he mopping out the gym in their gorgeous home in Windsor, where the divorced couple share quarters?

Announcing her story-reading initiative, Sarah has been photographed surrounded by red-haired dolls – which just happen to be merchandise connected with her own children’s books. In February, the Duchess signed a seven-book deal to write more adventures for the young. And I thought she was reading stories because she loved kids.