Queen claims the victory over the online reading club with 12 million members
“It is because of the gift of writers like you and for the passion of every person in this room to promote literacy and a love for literature, which we have been able to build such a family of readers. For some time we can continue to be inspired by all of you.”
Watched by Charles, Camilla added: “Through literature, we experience life through the eyes of another, we are comforted, strengthened, we laugh, cry, travel to different lands and escape the real world.
Queen Camilla, on the left, participates in a reading of books at the Banbridge library on a real visit to Northern Ireland at the beginning of this month.Credit: Ap
“In short, books and those that create them, improve life … Much better – so thank you! Making life better is the final goal of my reading room.”
The queen said that books made a happier, healthier and more connected society, improving mental health and our understanding of the world.
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When her speech ended, Charles gave her an affectionate pat on her back.
Last year, a report published by the National Literary Trust discovered that reading rates in the United Kingdom were the lowest ever recorded, with one out of two adults who did not read a book at all in the previous year.
The medal of the reading room aims to highlight the work of “Reading Heroes” throughout the country that are helping their communities overcome that reading crisis.
From April 1, anyone who is over 18 can appoint himself or another person for the prize, with the first recipient announced next year.
The jury of the prize is made up of literary characters of the heavyweights of the whole sector, including Jonathan Douglas, CEO of the National Literary Trust, and Dame Gail Rebuck, president of Penguin Random House, the publisher.
While the king and the queen came to the reception, descending the stairs from their private apartment, Charles saw the actress Miriam Margolyes and immediately stretched to keep his hand. “Wonderful seeing you,” he said.
After Camilla’s speech, Margolyes greeted her warmly, jokingly: “I have to try to curl up without falling”. Camilla laughed, replying: “Here, let me hold you!”
King Charles with the actress Miriam Margolyes during a reception to mark the launch of the medal of the queen’s reading room.Credit: Getty images
A selection of objects of the house and the birth of Jane Austen in Chawton, in the Hampshire, and from the royal collection they were on display, marking the 250th anniversary of the author’s birth.
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Included a second edition of the Royal Collection of Sense and sensitivityAnd a design by Austen’s sister, Cassandra.
Camilla is a long -standing activist on literacy and reading, and is patron of organizations including the National Literacy Trust, the first story, the BEANSTALK CORMA and the Booktrust.
The Telegraph, London
