Queen Camilla made a delightful and whimsical appearance at Clarence House, fulfilling the childhood dream of many by hosting Peter Rabbit himself for a special celebration.
The Queen welcomed the beloved character to the palace to mark the 100th anniversary of BookTrust, a major milestone for the charity that has long promoted a love of reading among children. While Peter Rabbit was undoubtedly the star of the afternoon, the event also saw a host of distinguished guests, including author Richard Osman, Dame Floella Benjamin, and Sir Philip Pullman, all joining Her Majesty in celebrating the occasion.
Dressed in a beautiful blue dress, Queen Camilla warmly interacted with Peter Rabbit, who was clad in his famous blue coat, before cutting a book-themed cake to commemorate the anniversary. The reception was not just a social gathering, but also an opportunity for Peter Rabbit to announce the launch of a new book, Four Happy Bunnies, created specifically for the Bookstart Baby scheme. This new addition to the literary world will be distributed to half a million families with newborns, aiming to foster a love for reading from the very beginning of life.
The Queen, a lifelong advocate for literature, has been a steadfast supporter of several literary organizations, having served as the patron of BookTrust since 2011, a role previously held by her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. During the celebration, she spoke passionately about the profound impact reading has had on her life, sharing a heartfelt memory of how her father read to her every night. “I wouldn’t be standing here now if I hadn’t been read to as a child,” the Queen explained, emphasizing the importance of early childhood reading.
The BookStart initiative, which aims to provide a free book pack to every child from birth to 12 months across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is a vital part of the Queen’s legacy in promoting literacy. The scheme is designed to encourage reading in the earliest stages of life, and with the new Four Happy Bunnies book, the Queen’s dedication to inspiring young minds continues to thrive.
The afternoon at Clarence House was a reminder of the power of books and storytelling in shaping the future of children, as well as the Queen’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a love for reading in every generation.
Leave a Reply