The King was happy to play a supporting role as Queen Camilla launched a major new award.
As Their Majesties welcomed a host of stars to Clarence House for the start of The Queen’s Reading Room Medal, King Charles made sure the spotlight was firmly on his wife.
It was Queen Camilla who led the royal party into the reception with her husband staying one step behind as they made their way down the stairs of Clarence House.
And as Queen Camilla spoke to guests, The King stood several steps beneath her and looked on with pride as she talked about the importance of literacy to guests including Helena Bonham Carter, Miriam Margolyes and Jilly Cooper.
Her Majesty said ”making life better is the ultimate aim of my Reading Room. We believe that books make for a happier, healthier and more connected society. We know from our scientific research that reading brings invaluable benefits to brain and mental health and we see first hand the impact stories have on how we understand, and articulate, the world both as we find it, and
as we dream it to be.”
The event marked the launch of the Queen’s Reading Room Medal which will recognise individuals who are championing books and storytelling in their local communities.
It’s been introduced as The Queen’s Reading Room marked its fourth anniversary. It began as an Instagram book club and has developed into a charity supporting literature in a wide range of ways including through a popular literary festival which takes place at Hampton Court Palace.
Royal history was on Queen Camilla’s mind at the reception as she noted that George IV had been one of Jane Austen’s biggest fans and had bought a copy of her first novel, written anonymously, two days before it was officially published. Her Majesty also showed her guests another of the Austen novels that George IV had bought.
The Duchess of Gloucester joined the celebration of literacy as did Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, himself a successful author.
Meanwhile, King Charles was happy to play a supporting role. It wasn’t his only plus one appearance of the day. His Majesty also made a surprise appearance at an awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace which was being overseen by his sister, the Princess Royal.
Princess Anne was presenting the Butler Trust awards which recognise outstanding work in UK prisons, probation, and youth justice when her brother turned up to show his support for her and the Trust.
