Queen Camilla announced as star of new BBC documentary | Royal | News
Queen Camilla has revealed she will star in a new BBC documentary showing the life-changing power of books. Queen Camilla, who recently reached the fifth anniversary of her Reading Room, has long been known for her love of reading.
The Reading Room is a literary charity and book society founded by the Queen. The 78-year-old held a literacy event at Clarence House earlier today; where the royal welcomed writers, members of the literary society and representatives of the Queen’s Reading Room to celebrate the first recipients of the Queen’s Reading Room Medal. During the reception, Camilla described her surprise at reaching the fifth anniversary of her startup, telling attendees: “I find it hard to believe it’s been five years since I set it up during the height of lockdown, to share my lifelong belief that books make life better…”
Her Royal Highness added: “I’m also delighted to announce that we’ve partnered with the BBC and Blink Films on a major new documentary that will showcase the life-changing power of books, including my father’s and my own experiences. Cameras are rolling here today.”
He said: “Those of you who were here last year will remember that we created the Queen’s Reading Room Medal to shine a light on the importance and impact of volunteering.
“Nominations were received from all over the UK, with truly inspiring stories of people helping others access books, spreading the joy of reading and using it as a tool to improve even the toughest of lives. We’ll find out from Vicki who the first Medal winners are in a minute.”
Alongside the Queen, the documentary will feature individuals from a wide range of backgrounds who share one thing: moving stories of resilience and renewal fueled by reading. Whether it’s finding solace in a book while in prison, overcoming deep depression by connecting with a local book club, or finding the inspiration to change their lives forever, these stories reveal how books can offer salvation, hope, joy, deep connection and new perspectives when people need it most.
Dan Chambers, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of Blink Films, says: “We are all delighted to discover the transformative effects of reading and are so grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for her ongoing support of the project and agreeing to appear in front of the camera herself.”
Although it remains unclear how far into the shooting process of the documentary, some scenes were shot at the event held today. The movie will be released later this year.
