TL;DR
Queen Camilla founded the Queen's Reading Room in 2021. The initiative promotes reading through seasonal book lists, author events and partnerships with literacy charities. The Reading Room became a charity in 2023 and now runs UK and international events.
Queen Camilla founded the Reading Room in 2021 to promote reading and tackle literacy challenges across the UK and beyond. The initiative began as an Instagram-based book list during the Covid-19 lockdowns and has since become a registered charity running seasonal book lists, author events and partnerships with literacy organisations.
How the Reading Room started
The Reading Room launched in January 2021 with a list of four books recommended by then Duchess of Cornwall. The format combined a personal book recommendation with reflections on why the book mattered to her.
The initiative quickly grew during the lockdown months as readers responded to the choice of new fiction, established classics and works by authors from across the UK and Commonwealth.
From Instagram account to charity
The Reading Room registered as a charity in 2023. The move allowed it to formalise its work with literacy partners, run its own events, and accept donations to support reading projects.
Patrons of the Reading Room include best-selling authors, broadcasters and figures from the publishing industry. The patron list is published at thequeensreadingroom.co.uk.
Reading Room Festival and events
The Reading Room runs a flagship festival each year, with author talks, panel discussions and reading events. Past festivals have been held at Hampton Court Palace, with strands covering fiction, history, memoir and children's literature.
Smaller events run throughout the year in partnership with bookshops, libraries and reading charities. Some events are ticketed; others are free, with all listings published on the Reading Room website.
Literacy partnerships
The Reading Room supports the work of literacy charities including BookTrust, the National Literacy Trust and the Quick Reads programme. Each partner focuses on different parts of the reading journey, from early years to adult emergent readers.
Queen Camilla holds patronages with several reading and literacy charities outside the Reading Room. The Queen's literacy work also features in Commonwealth engagements and royal tours.
How readers can take part
Anyone can follow the Reading Room through the website, Instagram or its newsletter. Seasonal book lists are published several times a year, with reading recommendations and accompanying notes.
Bookshops sometimes display Reading Room titles together, and several UK libraries run Reading Room reading groups. The Reading Room asks supporters to consider donating to its partner literacy charities.
Key facts
- Launched January 2021 as an Instagram book list.
- Registered as a charity in 2023.
- Annual festival hosted at Hampton Court Palace.
- Partners include BookTrust and the National Literacy Trust.
- Seasonal book lists published several times a year.
FAQ
How did the Reading Room start?
Queen Camilla launched it in January 2021 as an Instagram-based book list during the Covid-19 lockdowns. The first list included four book recommendations and personal reflections.
Is the Reading Room a charity?
Yes, since 2023. The registered charity status allows it to formalise work with literacy partners, run its own events and accept donations.
When is the Reading Room Festival?
Past festivals have been held at Hampton Court Palace in late spring or early summer. The exact date for the next festival is announced on the Reading Room website and in the newsletter.
How can I take part in the Reading Room?
Follow the website, Instagram or newsletter for seasonal book lists. Bookshops sometimes feature Reading Room titles, and several UK libraries run Reading Room reading groups.
