Queen Camilla unveils new Reading Room Medal with King Charles by her side
The new medal celebrates the art of readingQueen Camilla unveils the new Reading Room Medal which is designed to recognise individuals championing books in their local communities.
On Tuesday evening (March 25) Queen Camilla, alongside The King were hosting many special guests at the Clarence House as the Reading Room marked its fourth anniversary with the launch of a medal.
While the Reading Room has been here for four years, this new medal aims to shine a spotlight on the community for keeping the joy of reading alive, through borrowing books, library visits and local book clubs.
Queen Camilla unveils Reading Room Medal
And on Tuesday, stars from all were celebrating alongside the King and Queen. Stars include Dame Joanna Lumely, Helena Bonham Carter, Richard E Grant and Jonathan Dimbleby.
However, there were also several adored authors in attendance, including The Secret History’s Donna Tartt, Life After Life’s Kate Atkinson and Raven Black’s Ann Cleeves.
While it was The Queen’s event, she was joined by her husband, King Charles. Camilla and Charles were arriving together and thanking her guests for celebrating “the magic of storytelling” with them.
Camilla gave a speech at the event, where she spoke about the impact of reading.
She said that reading is not a solitary affair but that its impact “lies in its ability to make a community of anyone who loves to read and who is compelled to write”.
The Queen added: “Through literature, we experience life through another’s eyes. We are comforted and strengthened. We laugh, we cry, we travel to different lands. And we escape the real world.
“In short, books and those who create them, make life better. So, thank you. We see firsthand the impact stories have on how we understand and articulate the world both as we find it, and as we dream it to be.”
Alongside the launch, The Royal Family’s official Instagram account posted a series of photos celebrating the night, praising everyone who attended and contributed to the success.
Fans praise the new award
The caption reads: “‘Making life better is the ultimate aim of my Reading Room. We believe that books make for a happier, healthier and more connected society.’
“Last night the Queen, joined by The King and The Duchess of Gloucester, hosted authors and members of the literary community to celebrate the launch of The Queen’s Reading Room Medal, designed to recognise individuals who are championing books and storytelling in their local communities.”
The Reading Room is reaching 12 million people across 173 different countries through its reading advocacy. This includes a podcast, research initiatives and an annual literary festival which will bring tens of thousands of visitors.
Nominees for the Reading Room Medal will include people who have set up community reading clubs, improved library access, donated books to those in need or organised literary festivals. Applications will open next Tuesday (April 1). The first award winners announced in March 2026.
Although fans took to the comments of the Instagram post, praising the Queen for the new medal.
One wrote: “Love this. Queen Camilla’s award is a lovely way to honour the literary community.”
And another added: “What wise and wonderful words from her Majesty, the Queen. So good to know that she always tries to raise awareness for important issues of our time! Can’t be mentioned enough nowadays.”
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