Queen Camilla, a long-time advocate for literacy and the joy of reading, is set to mark a special occasion close to her heart. Her Majesty will join guests at St James’s Palace to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Book Aid International, a charity that works in over 25 countries to establish libraries and provide books to vulnerable families and impoverished communities around the world.
The Queen’s passion for promoting reading and education is well-documented. Over the years, she has continually stressed the importance of access to good libraries and the joy of reading for young children. Her involvement with Book Aid International further highlights her commitment to these values. The organization has been instrumental in making books accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, fostering a love for reading in communities that face numerous challenges.
During the reception, Queen Camilla will meet with friends and supporters of Book Aid International, as well as representatives from partner organizations, publishers, authors, and other supporters. This gathering will allow her to hear firsthand about the charity’s impactful work and the lives it has touched through its mission to spread literacy and education.
Queen Camilla’s dedication to encouraging young people to read was evident earlier this year when she opened a new school library at Moreland Primary School in Islington, London. Speaking to the children, she emphasized the value of reading, stating, “The more books you read, the more you’re going to learn. The more you’re going to learn, the more you’re going to get on in life. It’s so important to keep reading, and I think having a library like this makes a huge difference to all of you here. Good luck and keep reading.”
Her advocacy for reading is deeply personal. At the grand final of the 500 Words writing competition for children, Queen Camilla shared that her love for books began with her father, Bruce Shand, who was an avid reader with a vast collection of books. She fondly recalled, “When we were children at night, he would sit at the bottom of our beds and read us stories, every sort of story you could imagine. I think that’s when my love of books started.” She described her father as a “brilliant storyteller” who “read to us each night and transported us into different worlds.”
Queen Camilla’s love for literature is shared by other members of the Royal Family as well. In 2022, The Duchess of Cambridge participated in the CBeebies Bedtime Stories program, where she read “The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark,” a children’s classic by Jill Tomlinson. The Duchess described the book as an “encouraging tale” and mentioned it was one of her favorites growing up.
As Queen Camilla continues to champion the cause of literacy and reading, her upcoming appearance at St James’s Palace for the anniversary of Book Aid International reaffirms her commitment to promoting education and access to books for all, especially those in underserved communities.
