Queen Camilla has said that Canada is “dear to both my husband and to myself” in a speech, just days after Prince Harry’s trip announcement.
The Queen welcomed young writers from across the Commonwealth to St James’s Palace for a reception celebrating exceptional literary talent. The gathering honoured winners and runners-up of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, which has been organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883.
This year’s competition attracted an unprecedented 53,434 submissions, marking a 53 per cent surge from the previous year.
Young writers from 54 of the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations participated, with the theme “Our Commonwealth Journey” inspiring them to examine the geographical, historical and personal connections linking Commonwealth countries.
Queen Camilla says Canada is ‘dear to her and King’ in speech following Prince Harry’s trip announcement
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PA / REUTERS
Upon her arrival, the Queen was greeted by Royal Commonwealth Society Chair Janet Cooper OBE, alongside Ambassador Gyles Brandreth and the competition’s prize recipients.
Camilla delivered an address before distinguished guests, presenting selected passages from the winning submissions.
During her speech, Camilla said: “This year, many of the essays came from Canada, a country that is dear to both my husband and to myself, and which we were lucky enough to visit briefly in May.
“Impressively, over the last decade, there have been 4 Canadian QCEC winners and runners-up. Perhaps some of them were inspired by one of the world’s greatest children’s authors, LM Montgomery, who was, of course, a proud Canadian.”
Queen Camilla greeting Jacqueline Wilson at the event
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The Queen’s candid comments on her love for Canada come just after it was confirmed that Prince Harry, her step-son, would be returning to the North American country next month.
The Duke of Sussex has been announced as a keynote speaker at the OREA Power House conference in Toronto on December 1.
Queen Camilla’s readings featured performances by children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, chef Monica Galletti, musician Joan Armatrading, and Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell, who is also a Royal Commonwealth Society Ambassador. These presentations showcased the creative excellence of the young writers’ work.
The Queen has championed this annual prize-giving event for over 10 years, maintaining her commitment to recognising exceptional writing talent among Commonwealth youth.
Queen Camilla and Gyles Brandreth pictured at the event
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Countries contributing the highest number of entries included Ghana, Nigeria, Malaysia, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Britain, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Singapore.
The competition’s global reach demonstrated the enduring appeal of creative writing among Commonwealth youth.
The senior category winner was 17-year-old Kaira Puri from Gurugram, Haryana, while 14-year-old Vivaan Agarwal from Mumbai claimed the junior prize. Both Indian students distinguished themselves among tens of thousands of participants.
Nigeria’s Pandora Onyedire, 17, secured the senior runner-up position, with Singapore-based Lakshmi Manognya Achanta, 14, earning junior runner-up honours. These four exceptional writers represented the diverse talent emerging from Commonwealth nations.
Ms Puri, who attends The Shri Ram School Aravali, has directed a documentary titled “Banking on Her” examining Indian women’s financial independence amid social barriers.
Queen Camilla greets Monica Galletti during a reception
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She has established Atelier, a programme supporting women’s financial education, and contributed to universal design research.
Mr Agarwal, enrolled at Jayshree Periwal International School in Jaipur, combines athletic pursuits in football, padel and basketball with debate and podcasting activities. He views each platform as a chance to foster environmental protection and inclusivity.
Ms Onyedire employs writing and performance to examine themes of identity and optimism whilst advocating for social transformation.
Ms Achanta draws inspiration from writers Elizabeth Lim and Ann Liang, composing poetry that reflects human experiences and performing traditional Carnatic music.