Queen Camilla ignores latest Andrew scandal as she opens library | Royal | News

Camilla, a passionate book lover who has long advocated the important power of reading, especially for children, visited the school to open the new 2000th ‘Coronation Library’ for primary school pupils, part of the living legacy dedicated to Her Majesty’s accession to the throne. And he seemed pleased to see so many young people excited about the hundreds of books offered at the new facility.

“So you all enjoy reading? How wonderful. So, are you all budding librarians?” asked student librarians at some local elementary schools who attended a classroom workshop.

The school visit, which comes at a tumultuous time for the Royal Family as more documents are released highlighting Andrew’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is the first Coronation Library to open in a school during the 2026 National Year of Reading, an Education and National Literacy Foundation initiative aimed at reconnecting people of all ages with the love of books.

The royal, accompanied by executive headteacher Lee Duffy and author Tola Okogwu, first met with student librarians before attending an interactive meeting with Key Stage Two students led by another children’s book author, Chris Smith.

Sitting on stage, the Queen was clearly enjoying listening to the students come up with ideas for a mystery centered around a sandwich. Dozens of excited hands went up in the air, wanting to contribute to the initiative.

He then went to meet reception age children discussing their favorite books. Noting one of the themes, he asked one teenager: “So are you a dangerous dinosaur?” before leaning in to chat with the group.

Camilla also received a special book containing drawings of their favorite book covers, created in collaboration with author and illustrator Sophy Henn, who said she was impressed by the students’ creativity and enthusiasm.