Duchess of York delights students at Waikiki Primary School as part of Australia literary tour

The Duchess of York has visited a Rockingham primary school, delighting hundreds of young students.

Sarah Ferguson signed dozens of Waikiki Primary School students’ posters, hats and books on Monday afternoon as part of her Australia literary tour.

The royal — colloquially known as Fergie — has written more than 80 books, including several children’s picture books, and has recently inked a 22-book deal with Perth-based publisher Serenity Press.

Year 2 student Lucy donned a sign which read, “Welcome to Waikiki Primary School, you’re my hero”.

“I’m excited to meet the Duchess because my mum said she’s famous,” she said.

Year 2 student Hunter said his favourite book written by the Duchess was A Gift of Kindness.

“It’s my favourite book because it has magic in it,” he said.

“I’m really excited because no one this famous has come to our school before.

“I’ve made a sign which has a crown because she lives in a castle and a star because she is a star.”

Speaking to The West, the Duchess said every child had the “right to an education”.

“Every single child has the right to dare to dream, the right to an education, the right to believe in themselves,” she said.

“Each message in the book is that it doesn’t matter what colour your hair is ... it’s okay to be exactly who you are.

“I think the principle and the value system that we should all have more of is less cyber bullying, less trolls ... just be yourself.”

The Duchess — who was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in January — also spoke on the importance of being sun safe.

“I’m really, really happy to see all of these hats (on the students),” she said.

“You slip on the T-shirt, you slop on the sunscreen and you slap on a hat.

“We’ve got to get checks for cancer ... it’s all to do with screenings.

“My melanoma was picked up from a very, very good dermatologist ... and actually it was a little mole, you couldn’t actually see it.”

The Duchess went on to read one of her picture books to a group of students in the school library before answering some of the kids’ questions.

“Even though I’m 65 ... I think you always must never forget that you were once very young,” she said.

“I write children’s books because I want you all to never forget how beautiful you are ... I want you to never forget this moment, it’s so special.

“When you grow up, everyone says ‘behave’ or ‘don’t do this and don’t do that’, just always look after that little friend inside which is your little person.

“I write children’s books in order to keep myself very little.”