Our Queen, known for her love of reading, is a strong advocate for promoting literacy nationwide.
Her dedication to fostering a reading culture, particularly among children, has been remarkable, inspiring many with her passion for books over time.
Last year, Camilla penned an article in The Mirror encouraging children of all ages to immerse themselves in reading. Now, she has taken it a step further by urging everyone to reduce screen time and engage more with books.
The concerning decline in the number of young people reading for pleasure is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and action.
As emphasized by the Queen herself, reading is a source of immense joy in life, and it is our collective responsibility to instill this love of reading in the next generation.
Efforts by organizations like the National Literacy Trust, with Camilla as its patron, are aimed at addressing the long-standing underfunding of school libraries.
Data from the National Literacy Trust reveals that only 33% of children above the age of eight now enjoy reading in their free time, down from 51% two decades ago.
The Department for Education, in collaboration with the charity supported by the Queen, has declared 2026 as a “national year of reading” to organize various events and initiatives in a concerted effort to reverse this downward trend.
In addition to promoting reading, there is a pressing need to tackle our excessive reliance on screens.
Spending hours on mindless scrolling cannot compare to the enriching experience offered by the literary works of renowned authors like Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Roald Dahl, and Julia Donaldson.
The familiar sight of young individuals glued to screens at bus stops, cafes, or family gatherings highlights the pervasive nature of our screen addiction.
It is imperative for the government to intervene, particularly in educational settings where phones serve as distractions hindering children from reaching their full potential.
The pervasive influence of social media poses a significant threat to education and creativity in our society.
Our future literary talents are at risk due to society’s overwhelming preference for instant gratification through social media.
Join forces with our Queen in the campaign to promote reading across Britain and secure a legacy for the upcoming generations.