Queen Camilla stunned in her favourite teal dress and black jacket combo as she welcomed guests to Clarence House this evening for a reception to celebrate the results of a new study.

The research, commissioned by her book club and literary charity The Reading Room, proves that there is a link between reading more fiction and better mental health, concentration and social connectedness.

The Queen was joined by a number of famous faces and friends at the royal reception, although King Charles was unable to accompany her due to his ongoing cancer treatment.

Her Majesty told her assembled guests: “In addition to our five a day and 10,000 steps, we should all be aiming for at least five minutes of reading every day for invaluable benefits, for brain health and mental wellbeing.

“Just as we always suspected, books are good for us – and now science is proving us right!”

Camilla has long been a champion for the benefits of reading, launching her own book club online during the COVID-19 lockdown to encourage others to get into books and talk more about what they were reading.

According to the results of the study, reading for just five minutes a day can reduce stress, improve concentration and make people feel more connected to the world.

Amongst those invited to the reception were academics and independent neuroscientists who contributed to the research project, along with authors, actors and literary advocates who have contributed to The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast and Festival.

The Queen is herself a keen reader and works tirelessly to promote literacy in the UK and internationally, with her work taking her to schools and libraries up and down the country.

She has also visited prisons and workplaces to see the results of adult literacy schemes designed to help people of all ages embrace the joys of reading.

The Queen’s Reading Room was first launched as an Instagram account in January 2021, after Camilla began sharing book recommendations during lockdown.

Her online space grew a large following of fans keen to see videos and commentary from some of the Queen’s favourite authors, with the Reading Room now an official charity.

The Reading Room has launched a podcast and a festival, now in its second year, with the Queen also helping to celebrate World Poetry Day during a visit to Northern Ireland last week.

During an evening reception at Hillsborough Castle outside Belfast, the Queen was joined by poets Sinead Morrissey and Raquel McKee, actress Frances Tomelty, poet Michael Longley, actor Ian McElhinney and poet Paul Muldoon to mark the occasion.

Earlier in the day Camilla visited a number of local businesses in the Northern Irish capital, including Coffey’s Butchers, Arcadia Delicatessen and Knotts Craft Bakery, where she was also heard giving an update on the King’s health.

The Queen was given lots of food to take home and pass on to the King, who, she says, is “doing very well.” She added: “I try to keep him in order.”