THEThe occasion was the awarding of the prestigious Queen’s Reading Room Medal, the medal for valor for literature. Wanted by Queen Camillathe honor aims to annually celebrate the efforts of Reading heroesthat is, the heroes of readingthose who are committed to bringing books into communities across the UK. And yesterday, finalists and winners were invited to Clarence House, the London residence of the sovereigns of England, also welcomed by numerous VIPs.
All Queen Camilla’s favorite authors
Carlo and Camilla had a hard time greeting everyone. The room was full of famous authors such as Ben Okri, Jojo Moyes, Lee Child, Richard Osman and Robert Harris. And there it was tooThe Queen’s favorite writer, Ann Cleeves, author of the novels that gave life to the television detective series True And Shetland.
Sigourney Weaver only reads books recommended by Camilla
Many VIPs were present at the event. In addition to the inevitable Stanley Tucci, actor and cooking expert who also collaborates with Royal kitchen of Buckingham Palacethere was also Sigourney Weaver who, enthusiastically, even signed up to the periodic newsletter of the Queen’s book club. The American actress of Alien he admitted that he always reads Camilla’s recommendations when it comes to new titles and would like to see a similar initiative launched in the United States too.
Queen Camilla with actress Sigourney Weaver at Clarence House, London, March 25, 2026 (Getty Images)
Queen Camilla rewards the “heroes of reading”
The medal for literary valor is linked to Queen’s Reading Roomthe literary initiative launched by Camilla in 2021 precisely to promote reading. The honor is awarded annually to those who have distinguished themselves by working in public places and services such as libraries, schools, shelters for the homeless and food banks.
This year’s winners are Selina Brownfounder of Black British Book Festival, one of the most important European events dedicated to black writers; And Liz Waterland, awarded for her commitment as a volunteer at a public library in a small village in the north of England.
Camilla with winner Selina Brown, London, 25 March 2026 (Getty Images)
Camilla and her books are the protagonists of a documentary by BBC
In her speech Camilla revealed the reason why several cameras were also rolling among those present. The queen will, in fact, be the protagonist of a documentary made by the British broadcaster BBCfocused on the ability of books to transform the lives of those who read them.
And we will also talk about the Queen’s father, Bruce Shand, an avid reader and author of a book about his experiences as a prisoner of war. It was he who instilled in Camilla, as a child, a passion for reading, when, to put her to sleep, he read her stories that made her dream.
