The Queen has emphasized the significance of promoting reading, stating that the current reading rates are the lowest they have ever been. Camilla established The Reading Room book club charity during the lockdown and, on its fifth anniversary, it has engaged with a community of 186,000 book enthusiasts across more than 180 countries.
Despite the concerning decline in global reading rates, the 78-year-old has underscored the importance of encouraging people to read through her charity. Presently, only half of adults in the UK read a book annually, with 46% admitting difficulties in finishing a book due to distractions.
With the motto “Make Room for Reading,” The Queen’s Reading Room aims to inspire individuals to incorporate five minutes of reading into their daily routines, similar to achieving daily steps or consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables.
Research in neuroscience indicates that reading fiction for just five minutes can significantly reduce stress, enhance focus by up to 11%, and alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Camilla expressed her pride in the charity’s growth from a simple book club to a global force that supports a community of book lovers united by the transformative power of reading.
The charity, now known as The Queen’s Reading Room, has expanded its initiatives to include hosting a literary festival, launching a podcast, and introducing The Queen’s Reading Room Medal to honor local heroes who advocate for reading.
Furthermore, The Reading Room has donated over 2,300 books to various grassroots organizations, including hospitals and shelters, while also partnering with institutions to support reading groups.
Vicki Perrin, the chief executive of The Reading Room, commended Camilla for her dedicated involvement in choosing the featured books and her commitment to the charity’s cause.
Recognizing the declining reading rates among children as a crisis, Perrin emphasized the charity’s deep concern and commitment to addressing this issue alongside the challenges faced by adult readers.