The Queen has praised the Booker Prize winner and shortlisted authors for some of the “most wonderful examples of writing” during a reception held at Clarence House.
Camilla hosted the shortlisted authors on Tuesday afternoon, following David Szalay receiving the sought-after prize on Monday night for his novel Flesh.
Gaby Wood, the chief executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, greeted Camilla as she arrived to celebrate the Booker Prize and the new Children’s Booker Prize, which was recently announced.
The Queen congratulated Mr Szalay saying: “You must be thrilled!”
Queen Camiila met with the winner of the Booker Prize David Szalay
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Mr Szalay is the first Hungarian-British author to win the prize.
The Queen wore a polka dot blouse and black dress, and was beaming as she welcomed the shortlisted authors, judges, and supporters of the prestigious prize.
Camilla met with the chairman of the judging panel, the Irish novelist, dramatist, and screenwriter, Roddy Doyle.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker was also present at the event, as she was one of the judges on this year’s panel.
Speaking to the Sex And The City star, Queen Camilla called Parker’s involvement: “one of her many hats.”
Ms Parker responded saying: “It’s the one I’m most proud of. It’s so thrilling. We are surrounded by such wonderful, exciting authors.
”Camilla then made a speech to the gathered audience, saying: “Thank you all for your contribution.
“Nowadays, it’s so important to get people reading, more important than ever – especially with the Children’s Booker Prize, to get them involved as well.
Queen Camilla hosted Sarah Jessica Parker alongside other judges for a celebration of the Booker Prize
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“You’re right at the top of the game, and you set the most wonderful example.”
“Please keep writing because you bring us such pleasure – not only me, but many others all around the world.”
During the reception, Ms Wood addressed the room and said: “I’d like to say on this day, for remembering things, that there is no such thing as a Booker Prize loser.”
Mr Szalay was then asked how it felt to win, and he revealed: “It means an enormous amount. It’s such a high-profile prize, that I think every novelist secretly or otherwise dreams of.
“To win it is a slightly surreal experience.”
Mr Szalay had previously met Camilla in 2016, when she was the Duchess of Cornwall, when he was nominated for his novel, All That Man Is.
He commended the Queen for her love of literature, saying; “She does absolutely wonderful work.”
Camilla is known for being a regular reader and patron to a number of literary organisations, and hosted the same event at Clarence House last year.
Queen Camilla hosted shortlisted writers as well as judges at Clarence House
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This year’s Booker Prize shortlist includes Flashlight by Susan Choi, The Loneliness of Sonia And Sunny by Kiran Desai, Audition by Katie Kitamura, The Rest Of Our Lives by Ben Markovits, The Land In Winter by Andrew Miller, and Flesh by David Szalay.
Szalay received £50,000 and a trophy, presented to him by last year’s winner, Samantha Harvey.
Recent winners of the Booker Prize include Bernardine Evaristo, Margaret Atwood, Douglas Stuart, Damon Galgut, Shehan Karunatilaka and Paul Lynch.