After stepping back from royal duties in November due to a chest infection, Queen Camilla is now back in action and keeping herself busy. She was recently presented with a meaningful recognition by a family member, as one royal stepped forward to honor her.
For years, Camilla has been a strong advocate for literacy initiatives, and on November 20, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of London. The award, however, came with a personal touch as it was presented by her sister-in-law, Princess Anne.
Buckingham Palace highlights Queen Camilla’s dedication to promoting reading
While it might appear unexpected for Princess Anne to present the honor, the Princess Royal has held the position of Chancellor at the University of London since 1981, succeeding her grandmother, The Queen Mother, who served in the role for 25 years.
In receiving the doctorate, Queen Camilla became the third royal in history to do so from the university, following in the footsteps of King George V and Queen Mary. The Queen was acknowledged for her dedication to literacy charities, including the National Literacy Trust, First Story, Coram Beanstalk, and BookTrust.
Buckingham Palace shared that Camilla has actively supported these causes by visiting schools, libraries, workplaces, and prisons to witness the impact of adult literacy programs. Camilla’s commitment to reading also led her to establish The Queen’s Reading Room during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially a book club on Instagram.
By February 2023, it had evolved into a charity aimed at promoting literature across the U.K. and beyond. On the charity’s website, she shared her passion for reading, saying, “Reading is a great adventure… You can escape, travel, laugh, and cry. Every emotion is in a book.”
Her honorary doctorate comes just after a spectacular evening at Buckingham Palace on November 19, where she dazzled at the annual Diplomatic Corps Reception, wearing a stunning diamond-and-aquamarine tiara once owned by Queen Elizabeth II. Perhaps her new academic robes will complement this exquisite tiara at her next royal appearance.
