Queen Camilla is continuing her journey as a literary super supporter with a visit to the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge where she learned more about one of the most talented female writers in English history ahead of Women’s History Month.
The Queen was met by happy crowds who braved the rain in Canterbury to greet her before she visited the museum.
Always a keen supporter of literature, Queen Camilla was immersed in Canterbury’s literary history during her visit. She unveiled a new statue of Aphra Behn, the first female professional playwright in England.
(Royal Family Instagram still/ fair use)
It was designed by artist Christine Charlesworth, who shared that she wanted her statue to invite people to think about Behn, saying “I didn’t want her on a pedestal. I wanted people to look in her eyes and want to know her and want to stand and have a conversation with her.”
Her Majesty was not only able to see a first edition of one of Behn’s works, Oroonoko, and see the Royal Shakespeare Company perform a scene of Behn’s The Rover, but she was able to visit the library to meet local children, volunteers, and book club members.
The Queen has run an online book club, now known as The Queen’s Reading Room, since 2021 and many of her engagements focus on literacy and community.
