The Queen describes the reading charity’s mission as ‘more urgent than ever’

The Queen has underlined the “more urgent” mission of her charity, The Queen’s Reading Room, as it celebrates its fifth anniversary, stressing that “books make life better”.

Founded by Camilla during the lockdown, the initiative has grown into a global charity, connecting more than 186,000 book enthusiasts in over 180 countries. Despite this access, the King’s wife expressed concern over the decline in global reading rates.

In the UK, one in two adults read a book a year, with 46 per cent struggling to finish due to distraction. The charity’s anniversary motto, “Make Room for Reading”, encourages “small fires” through small, positive changes, such as just five minutes of reading a day, 10,000 steps or five portions of fruit and vegetables.

Neuroscience research highlights the immediate benefits of reading a short story: a nearly 20 percent reduction in stress, an 11 percent improvement in concentration, and a reduction in loneliness. Globally, UNICEF reports that 70 percent of 10-year-old children in low- and middle-income countries cannot understand a simple written story in 2022, a significant increase from 57 percent pre-pandemic.

Reflecting on its origins, Camilla said in a statement released Press Association: “Five years ago, I founded a book club in lockdown, hoping that others could enjoy good literature as much as I did. From those humble beginnings, the book club has grown into a global charity, supporting a community of book lovers united by a shared belief in the power of reading.”

He added: “I am proud that my charity has reached millions of people, staged remarkable events and partnered with incredible organizations to deliver books to the people who need them most. Its groundbreaking research has confirmed what many of us have always felt: reading changes how we perceive, how we think and how we connect. Books make life better, and this is just the beginning.”

The charity’s chief executive Vicky Perrin praised the Queen for bringing her “special magic” to the organization and insisted it was “very much” Camilla’s “baby”. Ms Perrin confirmed that the Queen personally selects all the books featured in the club.

Ms Perrin elaborated: “She set up the charity. It’s very much her baby … She still chooses all the books featured in the book club, and is the most well-read person I’ve ever met. Often, when I go in to see her, the defining image of her husband is in her armchair with books by her side and feet on the floor. She’s talking about the latest she’s read, and she has proof that a new book is coming out, and she’s really enjoying it.”

The CEO also highlighted the impact of philanthropy, noting letters from around the world describing the “transformational” impact of incorporating more reading into lives. Ms Perrin described current reading levels as a “reading crisis”, expressing deep concern at the declining rate among children. The National Literacy Trust, as Camilla’s patron, reported that just 32.7% of UK children and young people aged eight to 18 enjoyed reading in 2025, the lowest figure since 2005.

The project began in 2020 when Camilla shared a list of nine favorite books, “literally written on pieces of paper” during the first lockdown. Officially launched on Instagram in January 2021, it evolved into a community hub featuring Camilla’s recommendations and author interviews. Over five years, the Queen has personally recommended 76 books, including one by Dame Hilary Mantel Mirror and light and Delia Owens Where the Crawdads Sing. Popular choices include Anthony Horowitz Magpie Murder and Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet.

In 2023, the book club became The Queen’s Reading Room Charity, expanding its reach to host an annual literary festival, launch a podcast and present The Queen’s Reading Room Medal to honor local reading champions. The charity has donated 2,300 books to 11 grassroots locations, including 1,400 to patients at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and supports reading groups at St Mungo’s homeless shelter and domestic violence refuges.

Ms Perrin shared how staff at St Mungo’s Observed Reading Group “shed some light” on people at high risk of returning to the streets. “It’s really about setting a little fire … creating those moments where we help associates spark ideas that are going to be transformative,” she concluded, emphasizing the important role of philanthropy. The King, Princess of Wales and Queen Mathilde of Belgium have also contributed to the selection.