dfter a week spent indoors, isolated due to her second Covid, Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowles has resumed her Royal activities on the occasion of the second anniversary of The Reading Room, the online book club which, aiming to promote reading in every age group, suggests old and new titles. And he took the opportunity to throw himself against the recent censorship of the works of Roald Dahl.
Camilla’s speech at Clarence House, under the eyes of King Charles, London, February 23, 2023 (Getty Images)
Queen consort Camilla condemns book censorship
They were invited to the reception organized yesterday at Clarence House, still the London residence of King Charles a hundred writers, editors and book lovers personally chosen by the queen consort. “Do not limit your freedom of expression and do not limit your imagination” Camilla urged them, referring to the controversy that has arisen in recent days due to the changes made to the famous children’s books signed by Roald Dahl.
The controversial changes to Dahl’s books
Camilla did not welcome the decision taken from the English publisher puffin to print new editions of books by Dahl, who died in 1990, eliminating words and phrases defined as offensive for today’s times, and adding here and there phrases and paragraphs that explain more politically correct the descriptions of the famous author. For starters, in new versions of classics like The Chocolate Factory more attention will be paid to the characters gender neutral.
The queen consort with the writer Charlie Mackesy, who had brought along the dog Barney for the occasion, London, 23 February 2023 (Getty Images)
Roald Dahl in politically correct version
The three sons of Clever, Mr. Fox they become daughters. Terms like “fat” and “attractive” are replaced by “huge” and “gentle.” The face of the formidable Miss Spezzindue by Matilda it will no longer be defined horseythat is to say “from horse” (a term often also associated with Camilla). And the wigs of Witches bald? A paragraph will explain that there is nothing wrong with wearing them and that there may be many personal reasons behind the decision.
Camilla to the authors: «Be proud of your work!»
Controversy was immediately unleashed in the media and furious parents in schools promised to boycott books. The same Camilla argues that Dahl’s stories, written between the 1940s and 1980s, should be considered products of their time – comments enthusiastically received by the authors present, including Ben Okri, Philippa Gregory and Sebastian Faulks.
“No more ratty squeaks,” said the queen consort, paraphrasing a speech by John Steinbeck at a Nobel Prize reception in 1962. “From now on, only lion roars of pride.”
Queen Camilla’s Book Club
During the event at Clarence House, which was also attended by King Charles, Camilla’s online book club has been renamed The Queen’s Reading Room. And for the first time since she became queen consort, an initiative bearing Parker Bowles’ name has been transformed into a charity, in this case to improve the education of adults and children in Britain and around the world. . Her first Literary Festival will be held in June in the spectacular setting of the Royal Palace of Hampton Court.
Follow us on TwitterSpaces!
Read the book by iO Donna, Princesses you become! From Kate Middleton to Letizia of Spain
Buy it online on Prima Edicola for 9.90 euros.
Listen to the free podcast about the British royals
iO Woman © REPRODUCTION RESERVED