Queen Camilla has reflected on her cherished moments with King Charles, emphasising their shared passion for reading in an upcoming BBC documentary titled “The Book That Changed My Life.” In the feature, which is set to air on Wednesday, 14th October, the Queen reveals insights into their tranquil pre-dinner routine, where reading serves as a bonding activity for the couple.
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At 79 years of age, Queen Camilla disclosed that both she and the King, who is 77, enjoy spending quiet time absorbed in books before their evening meals. “My husband and I actually read before dinner. We just like sitting quietly and reading,” she stated. However, she mentioned that her concentration can be disrupted by her husband’s audible enjoyment of his reading material. “I occasionally, when I’m deep in a book, hear him roaring with laughter about something. It’s very off-putting,” she admitted, adding that it can lead her to either join in on the laughter or feel an unexpected swell of emotion.
The Queen has long expressed her love for literature, launching her Reading Room book club in January 2021 during the pandemic, which continues to thrive today. She values the role of books within society and stated, “I think it would be a complete and utter tragedy if books went forever. It’s part of our heritage… because I don’t think we’d even be human any longer,” reinforcing her belief in the essential nature of reading.
During the documentary, she also shared a personal anecdote about her teenage years in the 1960s, reminiscing about reading D.H. Lawrence’s “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” covertly. She recalled, “It was the moment of Lady Chatterley, under our pillows, reading that by torchlight. You know the minute something is forbidden, you want to get hold of it.” Her recollections capture the allure of literature and the rebellious spirit of youth that often accompanies it.
Moreover, Queen Camilla highlighted the educational impact reading had on her life, particularly as she left school at a young age, a common experience for many women of her generation who did not pursue higher education. “I think reading has been most of my education,” she explained. This acknowledgment showcases her strong belief in the power of literacy in personal development and empowerment.
Turning to her initiatives with the Reading Room, Camilla expressed her passion for cultivating a community centred around books. “With their extraordinary power to educate and inspire, books… have enriched my life since I was a child,” she noted. Her commitment to promoting literature for both children and adults reflects her desire to foster a love for reading among diverse audiences.
The Queen is dedicated to transforming her Reading Room into a charity that not only promotes literature but also strives to connect individuals with the unique joys found within the pages of a book. “It has therefore been such a joy to watch my Reading Room grow over the years into a thriving book community,” she remarked.
As history continues to unfold, Queen Camilla’s dedication to reading serves as a reminder of the profound impact that literature has on countless lives, including her own. The upcoming documentary promises to provide a deeper insight into the Royals’ shared love of books, as well as Camilla’s broader mission to inspire a lifelong passion for reading in others.
Through her advocacy for literacy and the importance of literature, Queen Camilla continues to encourage a culture of reading that she believes is essential to humanity, ensuring that the magic of books will persist for generations to come.