Queen Camilla and Late Father to Feature in New BBC Documentary on the Power of Literature
A compelling new BBC documentary is set to explore the profound and life-transforming impact of literature, with a special focus on Queen Camilla and her late father, Major Bruce Shand. The announcement came during a special reception at Clarence House, marking the fifth anniversary of the Queen’s Reading Room book club. The event itself was a star-studded affair, drawing in notable figures from the literary world and Hollywood, including His Majesty The King, actors Stanley Tucci and Sigourney Weaver, and Booker Prize-winning novelist Sir Ben Okri.
The Queen’s Reading Room has evolved significantly since its inception. Launched during lockdown, its core mission, as articulated by Queen Camilla, is to share her “lifelong conviction that books make life better.” What began as a personal project to connect with others through shared reading experiences has blossomed into a multifaceted initiative. It now encompasses a successful festival, has facilitated the donation of thousands of books to those in need, and has established vital partnerships with organisations dedicated to combating domestic violence and homelessness.
During her address at the anniversary celebration, Queen Camilla expressed her delight in announcing a significant new collaboration. “I’m also delighted to announce that we have partnered with the BBC and Blink Films for a major new documentary that will showcase the life-transforming power of books – my father’s and my own experience included – for which the cameras are filming here today,” she revealed. This documentary promises an intimate look at how reading has shaped not only the Queen’s life but also the life of her father.
Queen Camilla is a known bibliophile and a dedicated patron of numerous literary organisations. Her deep-seated love for books is a legacy inherited from her father, Major Bruce Shand. A distinguished military figure, Major Shand also possessed a keen intellect and a passion for writing, contributing to military history and even publishing his own war memoirs. His service during the Second World War was notably distinguished; he served as a 12th Lancer, fought valiantly alongside the renowned Desert Rats, was awarded the Military Cross on two occasions, and sustained injuries, leading to his capture as a prisoner of war while fighting in North Africa.
In a personal reflection shared in The Spectator magazine, Queen Camilla spoke fondly of her father’s influence: “He read to us as children. He chose the books, and we listened. He was probably the best-read man I’ve come across anywhere. He devoured books.” This intimate portrayal highlights the foundational role literature played within their family.
A Glimpse into a Shared Literary Journey
The forthcoming documentary, slated for broadcast in the autumn, is expected to delve into Queen Camilla’s personal connection with literature. Viewers can anticipate her reflecting on the childhood experiences that first ignited her passion for reading, and the enduring solace and inspiration she continues to find within the pages of books. The BBC has indicated that the Queen will share poignant memories of her father, including his experiences as a prisoner of war, and how reading provided a vital source of strength and sustained his lifelong enthusiasm for the written word.
The reception itself provided a rich tapestry of literary and cultural figures. Among the distinguished guests were acclaimed authors such as Jojo Moyes and broadcaster Richard Osman. Addressing the assembled guests, Queen Camilla acknowledged the profound impact of writers: “You are indeed dangerous people: you look into our hearts and souls to expose the unvarnished truth, with all the strengths and weaknesses of the human condition. You allow us to experience life through another’s eyes, you encourage us, you make us laugh, you make us cry, you take us on magical journeys and you create a community of book lovers that transcends almost any barrier.” Her words underscored the vital role authors play in fostering empathy and connection.
Other notable attendees included author Jeffrey Archer, veteran actor Sir Derek Jacobi, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, husband of the Princess Royal. Sir Tim was observed engaging in an extensive conversation with actresses Celia Imrie and Sigourney Weaver, showcasing the diverse connections fostered by the Queen’s Reading Room initiative.
Sigourney Weaver, a staunch advocate for literacy, spoke about how the Queen’s efforts to encourage reading felt like a “personal” invitation to pick up a book. She shared her own experience of following a recommendation from the Reading Room, delving into MM Kaye’s epic novel of British-Indian history, The Far Pavilions. “Luckily I didn’t know how big it was because I read on Kindle and I’m having the best of time,” she quipped, highlighting the accessibility of literature through modern technology.
Weaver also brought attention to a concerning statistic shared by the Queen’s Reading Room: a mere 50% of UK adults read a book annually. “As an American, as a New Yorker, I know the problem is worse in the US,” she stated, expressing her concern about declining reading habits. “Adults are not reading to their children. Children can read a book and play the movie in their head rather than watch someone else’s video on a device.” Her commentary serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge to foster a culture of reading in an increasingly digital world, and the importance of initiatives like the Queen’s Reading Room in combating this trend. The upcoming documentary is poised to shed further light on these critical issues and celebrate the enduring power of the written word.
