King Charles has joined forces with Queen Camilla to support her literary initiative at a special reception at Clarence House.
The monarch accompanied his wife as she hosted authors, members of the literary community and representatives from The Queen's Reading Room to celebrate the launch of a new medal.
The Queen's Reading Room Medal will recognise individuals who champion books and storytelling in their local communities.
Her Majesty was also joined by the Duchess of Gloucester and renowned authors at the gathering.
King Charles has joined forces with Queen Camilla to support her literary initiative at a special reception at Clarence House
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During the reception, Queen Camilla viewed the design of the new medal and met the judging panel, who will select the first recipient, to be announced in 2026.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, guests were able to view a small selection of items from Jane Austen House and the Royal Collection Trust.
The Queen, an avid reader herself, has long been recognised as an important supporter of literacy in the UK and internationally.
As a grandmother, Camilla is said to understand not only the joy of reading but also the importance of literacy in creating life opportunities.
King Charles accompanied his wife as she hosted authors, members of the literary community and representatives from The Queen's Reading Room to celebrate the launch of a new medal
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She has visited schools, libraries, workplace reading schemes and prisons to see the work of adult literacy schemes.
Before becoming Queen, Camilla was Patron of several organisations promoting literacy, including the National Literacy Trust, First Story, Coram Beanstalk and Booktrust.
The Queen's Reading Room works to celebrate and promote the power and benefits of reading, with a mission to help people find books that enrich their lives.
The initiative began during the national lockdown when Her Majesty published a list of her favourite book recommendations.
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Queen Camilla was also joined by the Duchess of Gloucester and renowned authors at the gathering.
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Following positive responses, an Instagram account was launched in January 2021 as a community space for book lovers.
Now an independent charity, The Queen's Reading Room has launched a podcast and an annual festival, currently in its second year.
The charity recently commissioned research that found a clear link between reading fiction and increased mental health, brain health and social connectedness.
These findings were celebrated at a reception hosted by Her Majesty.
