Queen Camilla was joined by her husband, King Charles, and the Duchess of Gloucester as she launched a new medal tonight to celebrate people who champion books and storytelling in their local communities. The Queen looked dazzling in a velvet blue shirt dress as she hosted the star-studded reception at Clarence House.

Guests tonight included leading authors and representatives from her book club, The Queen’s Reading Room. Literary heavyweights including Anthony Horowitz, Anne Cleeves and Peter James attended the celebration alongside other supporters of the project, such as Dame Joanna Lumley and Richard E. Grant. During the reception, Her Majesty viewed the design of the new Queen’s Reading Room Medal and met the judging panel, who will pick the first recipient set to be announced next year.

Winners could be those who founded reading groups, facilitated the donation of books or improved access to local libraries.

A small selection of items from Jane Austen House and the Royal Collection Trust relating to the acclaimed author were also present for guests to view in celebration of the 250th anniversary of her birth.

The award celebrates the example set by thousands of grassroots workers, often volunteers, who tirelessly devote themselves to promoting books and reading for pleasure within their communities.

Literature is a key part of Camilla’s work, as she aims to celebrate and promote the power and benefits of reading.

In 2023, she launched the Queen’s Reading Room charity following the success of her Instagram book club that she established during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nominations for the first-ever Queen’s Reading Room Medal are open now.