Queen Camilla will star in a new documentary focused on the power of reading and books in a moving film set to come out later this year.
The documentary will centre on the impact of reading and hear personal stories of people’s lives that have been changed by books.
Her Majesty, a keen reader herself, has shared her passion for books, previously founding The Queen’s Reading Room and serving as patron for numerous organisations which support reading across Britain.
The Queen will discuss her love for literature, sharing childhood anecdotes that triggered her love for finding a good book.
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These include her father’s recollections, Major Bruce Shand, and his experience being held in a German prisoner-of-war camp.
Alongside Her Majesty, the film will showcase individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds who will share their moving stories of perseverance inspired by reading.
The documentary will also emphasise the increasing scientific evidence showing how reading can enhance health and wellbeing.
Head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV, Suzy Klein, shared her “delight” that the Queen will feature in the documentary.
The Queen has had a long passion for reading
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GETTY
She said: “The simple act of opening the pages of a book can be one of the most powerful and transformational choices we can make.
“Books aren’t trying to distract us or sell us anything, instead they take us outside our own problems and challenges to a whole new world – one we can see in our mind’s eye. And the power of that different point of view can deeply change our perspective on ourselves… as demonstrated by the moving, emotional stories of the contributors to this special documentary.
“As we mark the National Year of Reading, we hope to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book, to see the world in new ways and potentially change their own lives.
“We are especially delighted that Her Majesty The Queen, a devoted reader and champion of literature, is at the heart of this celebratory new project exploring the power of great books to change lives for the better.”
Camilla, a keen reader herself, has long shared her passion for books
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PA
Co-founder of Blink Films and Executive Producer, Dan Chambers, weighed in, saying: “We’re all delighted to be exploring the transformative effects of reading, and so grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for her ongoing support for the project and for agreeing to go on camera herself.”
Camilla launched her Reading Room in 2023, with the charity working to celebrate and promote the power and benefits of reading in the UK and beyond.
Her Majesty has been involved with the BBC’s “500 Words” for numerous years, a writing competition for children.
Earlier this month, she hosted the Grand Final at Windsor Castle.
Camilla launched her Reading Room in 2023
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PA
The Queen met with each winner of the event during the ceremony, which was filmed for The One Show.
A variety of celebrities read some of the selected stories, including Jodie Whittaker, Joanna Page and Sara Cox.
During the event, Her Majesty urged young people to start reading, saying: “Anybody who hears these stories will see how inspired these children are, and I think to get children reading and writing stories, especially nowadays, is so important.
“Also, it gives them time to get away from some of their phones, so I think it’s so important that children keep on reading and writing, it’s the best thing you could possibly do, and it will take you all on adventures all over the world.”