Queen Camilla has joked that she defied fictional naysayers named Dee Featist and Les Stopper to launch her charity promoting the “life-enhancing power” of reading. The Queen founded the Queen’s Reading Room in 2021 with the aim of restoring reading to the heart of national life.
The charity, originally an online book club, has grown into a global community celebrating literature. It hosts events, publishes book recommendations, and supports literacy initiatives. Camilla has long been a passionate advocate for reading, often speaking about its benefits for mental health and empathy.
At a recent event, she lightheartedly referenced the imaginary critics, saying they tried to discourage her but she persevered. The Queen’s Reading Room continues to expand its reach, with plans for further initiatives to encourage reading for pleasure.
