Queen Camilla will feature in a powerful new documentary to mark the UK-wide National Year of Reading 2026, produced in partnership with The Open University.
The documentary will celebrate the transformative power of reading through moving and personal stories from individuals whose lives have been changed by discovering the joy of books.
With a passionate interest in shining a spotlight on the importance of reading, Queen Camilla has founded The Queen’s Reading Room and acts as patron of several organisations which foster and facilitate reading across the UK, including BookTrust, the Royal Literary Fund and the National Literacy Trust.
In the film, Queen Camilla will reflect on her lifelong love of literature, sharing the childhood experiences that first sparked her passion for reading and the comfort she still finds in books. These include personal recollections of her father, Major Bruce Shand, and his experience being held in a German prisoner-of-war camp; when reading reinforced a lifelong enthusiasm for the written word which he later imparted to his daughter.
Suzy Klein, head of BBC arts and classical music TV, said: "The simple act of opening the pages of a book can be one of the most powerful and transformational choices we can make. Books aren’t trying to distract us or sell us anything, instead they take us outside our own problems and challenges to a whole new world – one we can see in our mind’s eye.
"And the power of that different point of view can deeply change our perspective on ourselves – as demonstrated by the moving, emotional stories of the contributors to this special documentary.
"As we mark the National Year of Reading, we hope to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book, to see the world in new ways and potentially change their own lives. We are especially delighted that Her Majesty The Queen, a devoted reader and champion of literature, is at the heart of this celebratory new project exploring the power of great books to change lives for the better."
Alongside Queen Camilla, the documentary will feature contributions from individuals hailing from a wide range of backgrounds who all have one thing on common: moving stories of resilience and renewal, fostered by reading.
The synopsis continues: "From finding solace in a book while in prison, to overcoming deep depression through the connection of a local book club, or finding the inspiration to completely change their life, these stories reveal how books offer salvation, hope, joy, deep connection and fresh perspectives when people need them most.
"The film will also explore the growing scientific evidence that demonstrates how reading can improve health and wellbeing."
Dan Chambers, co-founder of Blink Films and executive producer, added: "We’re all delighted to be exploring the transformative effects of reading, and so grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for her ongoing support for the project and for agreeing to go on camera herself."
There will be future literature-focused programming to come from BBC Arts, including a new three-part series about Charles Dickens, new episodes of The Read exploring classic titles such as The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Little Women and Oliver Twist, and newly commissioned BBC Bookworm content for TikTok.
The documentary is due to air later in 2026.
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