The Queen has emphasized the critical importance of promoting reading, noting that reading rates are currently at their lowest levels. Camilla established The Reading Room book club charity during lockdown, and after five years, it has engaged with a community of 186,000 book enthusiasts across 180 countries.
Despite the declining global reading rates, the 78-year-old has underscored the essential nature of her charity’s goal to encourage reading. Statistics reveal that only half of adults in the UK read a book annually, with distractions hindering 46% of individuals from completing a book.
The theme for The Queen’s Reading Room’s milestone year is “Make Room for Reading,” aiming to inspire individuals to incorporate just five minutes of reading daily, akin to achieving 10,000 daily steps or consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables.
Research indicates that spending a mere five minutes engrossed in fictional literature can lead to a nearly 20% reduction in stress, an 11% enhancement in focus and concentration, and a decrease in feelings of loneliness.
Camilla expressed pride in the evolution of her book club into a global charity, emphasizing the profound impact reading has on individuals’ perceptions, thoughts, and connections. She stressed the increasing urgency of their mission amid the current global decline in reading rates.
The book project originated when Camilla shared a list of her preferred books during the initial lockdown in 2020. The subsequent launch of The Reading Room book club on Instagram in January 2021 provided a platform for book enthusiasts to engage with Camilla’s recommendations and author interviews.
Over the past five years, The Queen has recommended 76 books, with contributions from other members of royalty and renowned authors. The charity, now known as The Queen’s Reading Room, has expanded its initiatives to include an annual literary festival, podcast, and The Queen’s Reading Room Medal to honor reading advocates.
In addition to hosting literary events, the charity has donated over 2,300 books to various grassroots locations, supporting reading groups in hospitals and shelters. The organization’s chief executive commended Camilla for her dedication to selecting books for the club and the positive impact she has had on the charity.
The charity is concerned about the declining reading rates among children, with only one in three young people in the UK expressing enjoyment in reading. Efforts are underway to address this crisis and promote literacy among both children and adults.