Queen Camilla is marking her 79th birthday by gifting a personalized copy of a best-selling children's book to every Year 6 pupil in the United Kingdom. The initiative aims to encourage reading among 10- and 11-year-olds, a demographic where reading enjoyment often declines as they transition to secondary school.
The selected book is "Impossible Creatures" by award-winning author Katherine Rundell. Each child will receive a unique edition containing a personal message from the Queen. The message expresses her hope that the recipients will enjoy the fantasy book, which features mythical creatures and characters.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the books will be distributed through schools and libraries, accompanied by a set of free educational resources. This program, known as The Queen's Christmas Present initiative, is being delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust (NLT), an organization of which Camilla is a patron. The initiative aligns with the National Year of Reading 2026.
Research from the NLT indicates a significant drop in reading enjoyment among children as they move from primary to secondary education. The program specifically targets this age group, including Year 6 pupils in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and P6 pupils in Scotland.
Katherine Rundell, the author, expressed her honor at having "Impossible Creatures" chosen for the Queen's gift, stating that it is being given at an opportune time. She emphasized the importance of reading for fostering creative imagination, intellectual freedom, critical thinking, and ethical compassion, particularly for a generation facing future challenges.
Jonathan Douglas, CEO of the NLT, highlighted the benefits of reading for children's development and future prospects. He stated that the organization is proud to celebrate the National Year of Reading with the support of the Queen and Rundell.
This book gifting is the latest in a series of literary efforts by Queen Camilla, who also founded The Queen's Reading Room charity. To commemorate her birthday, a new portrait was released, taken at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. In the portrait, the Queen wears a blue dress and a diamond and sapphire butterfly brooch, which was originally presented to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.