Royal Collection Trust Brings Beloved 1960s Children's Book Back to Life

The Royal Collection Trust has announced the republication of "The Guard Mouse," a charming 1960s children's tale about a mouse who serves as a guard at Buckingham Palace, marking the first time the beloved story has been available in decades.

Written and illustrated by Don Freeman in 1967, the book tells the delightful story of Clyde, a mouse who works as a King's Guard outside Buckingham Palace. The adventure begins when Clyde steps down from his sentry duty one day and hears his name being called – his long-lost cousins from abroad have come to visit him. What follows is a whimsical nighttime journey through London, including stops at Covent Garden Market and a ride atop a double-decker tour bus, before duty calls the Guard Mouse back to his post the next morning.

"The Guard Mouse" was a notable success when first published nearly six decades ago, but eventually fell out of print and became difficult to find. When the opportunity arose to bring the story back to readers, the Royal Collection Trust – the charity responsible for caring for the Royal Collection and managing public access to official royal residences including Buckingham Palace – recognized the perfect alignment between the book's setting and their mission.

Working closely with Freeman's literary estate, the Trust has produced a faithful facsimile edition complete with the original vintage illustrations that charmed readers in the 1960s. The timing seems particularly apt, as the story's themes of family reunion and discovering London's sights remain as appealing today as they were six decades ago.

"The Guard Mouse is a charming story of family coming together and discovering the sights of London – an exciting prospect which still resonates as much today as it did 60 years ago," said Polly Fellows, Managing Editor at Royal Collection Trust. "We are delighted to be bringing the book back to life for a new generation of children to enjoy."

The Royal Collection Trust has complemented the book's republication with an enchanting range of themed merchandise available through their shops. The collection includes a felt Christmas tree decoration featuring Clyde the Guard Mouse for £12.00, milk and white chocolate mice housed in a miniature sentry box for £15.00, and a bag of jelly carrot sweets for £7.50 that references elements from the story.

For those wanting the complete experience, a special gift box priced at £60.00 includes the book along with all three accompanying items, creating a comprehensive Guard Mouse collection perfect for young royal enthusiasts.

Don Freeman, the book's creator, was a prolific children's author who produced 37 books, graphic novels, and autobiographies during a career spanning six decades. Working with the creative support of his wife and collaborator Lydia Cooley, Freeman created dozens of beloved children's books, most famously the Corduroy series that began in 1968. His work consistently demonstrated a gift for creating relatable animal characters in recognizable settings that sparked children's imaginations.

The republication of "The Guard Mouse" aligns with the Royal Collection Trust's broader mission of bringing shared history to life through engaging experiences. As a charity, the Trust uses income from ticket sales and retail purchases to support the conservation of the Royal Collection, ensuring these cultural treasures remain accessible to everyone for generations to come.

The book and accompanying merchandise are available online at royalcollectionshop.co.uk and through Royal Collection Trust Shops in London, Edinburgh, and Windsor. The book is also being distributed through traditional bookshops, making Clyde's adventures accessible to families across the country.

"The Guard Mouse" represents more than just a nostalgic republication – it demonstrates how classic children's literature can find new life when it resonates with contemporary values and institutional missions. For the Royal Collection Trust, supporting a story set at Buckingham Palace while introducing new generations to both literature and royal heritage creates a natural partnership between entertainment and education.

The facsimile edition ensures that Freeman's original artistic vision remains intact, allowing today's children to experience the same illustrations and storytelling that captivated readers in 1967. In an era of digital entertainment, the tactile experience of a beautifully illustrated hardcover book offers something distinctly valuable for young readers and their families.

Whether purchased as a standalone book or as part of the themed collection, "The Guard Mouse" offers families a unique way to connect with both classic children's literature and the ongoing story of Britain's royal heritage.