Queen Camilla has issued a compelling appeal for increased reading among the public, stating it is “more urgent than ever” to encourage people to embrace literature. As she celebrates the fifth anniversary of her initiative, The Queen’s Reading Room, she emphasizes the benefits of reading, saying, “Books do make life better.” A newly released photograph taken by royal photographer Chris Jackson captures the Queen reading Louise Penny’s *The Grey Wolf* in the garden of her private residence, Raymill, in Wiltshire.
Founded during the coronavirus lockdown, The Queen’s Reading Room has evolved from an Instagram book recommendation platform to a global charity that has reached over 12 million people across more than 180 countries. The charity’s mission is straightforward: to promote the joy of reading through various initiatives.
Despite its success, the Queen has expressed concern over declining global reading rates. Currently, only one in two UK adults reads a book annually, and 46% report difficulties in finishing books due to distractions. In response, the charity has adopted the motto “Make Room for Reading” for 2026, encouraging individuals to dedicate just five minutes a day to reading.
Recent neuroscientific research commissioned by the charity indicates that even brief reading sessions can significantly reduce stress, enhance concentration, and foster a sense of connection among individuals. The study suggests that reading is as beneficial to health and wellbeing as achieving 10,000 steps daily or consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables.
In her remarks to the press, Queen Camilla reflected on the origins of her book club: “Five years ago, I founded a book club in lockdown, in the hope that others might derive as much enjoyment from good literature as I do. Since those humble beginnings, that book club has grown into a global charity, supporting a community of book lovers united by a shared belief in the power of reading.”
She further highlighted the charity’s accomplishments, stating, “I am so proud of what my charity has achieved, reaching millions of people, staging remarkable events and partnering with incredible organisations to bring books to people who need them most.” The Queen asserted the importance of reading in a world where literacy rates are declining, emphasizing that “this is only the beginning.”
Over the past five years, the Queen has personally recommended 76 books, starting with notable titles such as Dame Hilary Mantel‘s *The Mirror And The Light* and William Boyd‘s *Restless*. Contributions have also come from The King, the Princess of Wales, and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, alongside recommendations from over 120 authors.
The charity’s Chief Executive, Vicki Perrin, described the initiative as Camilla’s “baby,” expressing concern over what she termed a “reading crisis,” particularly among children. The National Literacy Trust reported that only 32.7% of children and young people aged eight to eighteen in the UK enjoyed reading in 2025, marking the lowest level since the survey began in 2005.
To further its mission, The Queen’s Reading Room hosts an annual literary festival, produces a podcast, and has launched the Queen’s Reading Room Medal to honor local champions of reading. The first recipient is set to be announced in spring 2024. Additionally, the charity has donated over 2,300 books to grassroots organizations, including 1,400 books to inpatients at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, and has supported reading groups in homeless shelters and domestic violence refuges.
As Queen Camilla continues to advocate for the transformative power of reading, her efforts aim to spark a renewed interest in literature and combat the alarming trend of declining reading rates globally.
