Earlier this evening, The Duchess of Cornwall attended a reception to mark the 25th anniversary of her patronage, the National Literacy Trust. The trust is an independent charity which aims to promote literacy, particularly to disadvantaged children.
Camilla has been proud patron of the organisation since 2010 and has worked tirelessly promoting literacy both in the UK and internationally. The Duchess is also involved in other organisations which promote literacy, including BookTrust and First Story, and last week received an honorary doctorate for her work in the area.
As a grandmother of five, the Duchess is particularly keen on the promotion of childhood literacy; both she and Charles enjoy reading to their grandchildren – Camilla revealed last summer that her grandchildren love to hear Prince Charles read the Harry Potter books, as he apparently does fantastic impressions of the characters!
At Wednesday’s reception, Camilla was given the chance to chat to some of the National Literacy Trust’s ambassadors, including ‘Great British Bake Off’ judge Prue Leith and authors Giovanna and Tom Fletcher, who is also famous for being in the boy band McFly.
The representatives of the Literacy Trust were joined by other well-known authors, such as Jilly Cooper – who received her damehood earlier this week – and Judith Kerr, author of ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’. Lauren Child, who is currently the UK’s Children’s Laureate for 2017-2019, was also in attendance at the anniversary celebration, which was held in the Plaisterer’s Hall.
In tribute to the reception’s venue, The Duchess of Cornwall was wearing a brooch which actually represents the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, one of London’s livery companies which supports the plastering industry; Camilla was made an Honorary Liveryman of that particular Guild in April.
To mark the Literacy Trust’s 25th anniversary, at the reception The Duchess of Cornwall was presented with a selection of 25 children’s books which she can read to her grandchildren. The titles were chosen by children across the country and include favourites from authors such as Michael Morpurgo, who received a knighthood from Prince William yesterday for his services to literature.
Camilla also gave a speech at the reception, thanking everyone who has given their support to what she calls a “wonderful organisation”.
Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images
You can see the Royal’s brief address to the assembled guests below.
A gala dinner followed, which the future Queen did not appear to attend; however, the evening raised £175,000 for the trust, to help those disadvantaged people get reading and develop a life-long passion.
? “Thank you to everybody who supports the National Literacy Trust, it’s a wonderful organisation.” – HRH
Congratulations to @Literacy_Trust on 25 years! pic.twitter.com/aXG8M69GrR
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) 21 March 2018
