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!"

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."