THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL’S READING ROOM

The Duchess of Cornwall’s Reading Room launched on Instagram on 15 January and followed the success of the reading lists published by Her Royal Highness at Easter and then in the summer of 2020. It was the positive response generated by these initial lists that encouraged The Duchess to explore the idea of a more permanent platform to celebrate and explore literature.

The Duchess of Cornwall’s Reading Room initially launched with four books chosen by Her Royal Highness: The Mirror & The Light by Hilary Mantel, Restless by William Boyd, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Architect’s Apprentice by Elif Shafak. Information relating to these books and their authors, alongside content from The Duchess, was posted in the weeks following the publication of the list and, since then, new titles have been added periodically. As the project develops, authors from across the Commonwealth will feature prominently in the Reading Room.

The Duchess has a long-held passion for literature and holds seven related patronages, including the National Literacy Trust and First Story. Her Royal Highness has long been aware that reading promotes a range of emotional, social and educational benefits. Her hope is that the Reading Room will encourage people of all ages and abilities to explore new books, creating opportunities for connection, engagement and discourse.

Through The Duchess of Cornwall’s Patronage of the National Literacy Trust, the Reading Room has connected with libraries across the UK to ensure the featured titles are available free of charge for as many people as possible.

• See more on Instagram: @duchessofcornwalls readingroom