Queen Camilla champions reading's power at charity fest

Queen Camilla recently attended a festival in Derbyshire for The Queen's Reading Room, a charity she established. She emphasized the 'life-enhancing power' of books, noting the charity's evolution from her pandemic Instagram book club into a global community.

This community now spans over 180 countries, with millions of members sharing recommendations and donating books to those in need. The Queen highlighted the charity's mission to share her lifelong conviction that reading improves lives.

Details of the upcoming BBC Arts programme, 'The Book That Changed My Life,' were revealed at the festival. Set to air next month, the documentary will showcase how reading has transformed the lives of remarkable individuals, offering solace and hope.

The program follows individuals like Ian Kirby from Gateshead, who found renewed perspective and community through reading after overcoming depression. His story, and others featured, demonstrate reading's ability to provide salvation, connection, and fresh perspectives.

During the festival, Queen Camilla also announced her four autumn book recommendations, including 'Finding Belle' and 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' She interacted with literary figures like Lee Child and Elif Shafak.