Our Queen, known for her love of books, is a strong advocate for promoting literacy, particularly among children. Her dedication to sharing the joy of reading has had a positive impact over the years.
Last year, Camilla wrote an article for The Mirror encouraging children of all ages to immerse themselves in books. Recently, she emphasized the importance of putting away electronic devices and engaging in reading.
There has been a significant decline in the number of young people reading for pleasure, which is a cause for national concern. As highlighted by the Queen, reading is a valuable source of enjoyment, and it is essential for us to instill this value in the next generation.
The National Literacy Trust, of which Camilla is a patron, is addressing the long-standing issue of underfunding in school libraries. According to the Trust, only 33% of children over eight find pleasure in reading during their free time, a significant drop from 51% two decades ago.
In collaboration with the Department for Education and the charity, supported by the Queen, 2026 has been declared a “national year of reading.” Various events are being planned to combat the declining interest in reading.
The excessive use of screens is also a concern that needs to be tackled. Spending hours doom scrolling cannot compare to the enriching experience of reading literary classics by authors like Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Roald Dahl, and Julia Donaldson.
The sight of young individuals glued to screens in public places has become all too common. It is crucial for the government to take action, especially in educational settings, where phones serve as distractions that hinder children from reaching their full potential.
The pervasive influence of social media poses a significant threat to education and creativity in our society. Our obsession with instant gratification through social platforms is impeding the development of future literary talents.
Join forces with our Queen in the campaign to promote reading across Britain and create a legacy for the upcoming generations.