Queen Camilla’s Reading Room thanks nations heroes with epic giveaway

QUEEN’S READING ROOM FESTIVAL SUPPORTS CHARITY WORKERS, TEACHERS, NHS STAFF AND THE ARMED FORCES FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING

  • The Queen’s Reading Room charity, formed from the Instagram book club established by The the then Duchess of Cornwall in 2021, has released 2,000 free tickets for NHS staff, charity workers and the Armed Forces, to attend its second annual literary festival to be held at Hampton Court Palace on the 8th June
  • The ticket giveaway will mark the second year the Festival has supported nations heroes 
  • Charity boss Vicki Perrin says the giveaway is an opportunity to thank teachers, frontline workers and armed forces for everything they do, year round 

For the second year running, The Queen’s Reading Room has teamed up with Tickets For Good, Tickets For Troops and a selection of the UK’s literacy charities to donate 2,000 seats at its literary festival on the 8th June, in recognition of the outstanding work of NHS staff, charity workers, teachers and the Armed forces. 

This year’s ticket giveaway will be particularly relevant to members of the Armed Forces, as the West End cast of Operation Mincemeat – the musical based on the ‘secret’ mission which won us World War II – will perform on the main stage at this year’s Festival. 

CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room, Vicki Perrin, said: “Once again, we are delighted to be able to treat some of our nation’s heroes to a day out at Hampton Court Palace, on us. This is a way for us to say thank you for the brilliant work our teachers, front line workers and armed forces do, year round. 

“We hope that they enjoy our world-class live programming and that they come away inspired by the incredible authors, actors and experts with us at our festival.

The Queen’s Reading Room Festival drew more than 8,000 visitors to its inaugural festival in 2023. The 2024 Queen’s Reading Room festival line-up will build on the success of last year’s event, which attracted visitors from all corners of the globe.

This year’s programme will see Miriam Margolyes take to the main stage in one of the Palace’s atmospheric Tudor courtyards to express her love and deep knowledge of Charles Dickens; Olivier winning actress Dame Harriet will join Helena Bonham Carter on the main stage for a very special edition of William Sieghart’s Poetry Pharmacy whilst Ken Follett will host Harlan Coben and Mick Herron for an exclusive session for thriller-fanatics, delving into Coben and Herron’s most secret and valuable tips for writing a story that will thrill, chill and fit the bill.

Visitors will be able to enjoy an array of street food, explore the stunning Palace on specially-created literary themed tours and tread the floors where Shakespeare once performed with his King’s Men; as well as wandering the sumptuous gardens bursting with life in summer and enjoying shows from our other headliners which include none other than Ann Cleeves, Elif Shafak, Kate Mosse and many, many others. 

The Queen’s Reading Room, launched as a charity by Her Majesty The Queen in February 2023, is on a mission to spread the joy and benefits of reading and have just published their first neuroscientific research study into the link between reading fiction and well-being. 

Highlights from the festival programme, which runs from 11am includes: 

Operation Mincemeat: A Musical Showcase

Brilliant comedy meets a fascinating true story in Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical. The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.

The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler? In this hour-long showcase of the award-winning musical, Operation Mincemeat, the cast will perform selected highlights from the West End show, before joining the creatives for a Q&A exploring the creation of the show and the writing process. 

William Sieghart presents his Poetry Pharmacy featuring Helena Bonham Carter and friends

Sometimes only a poem will do. In what is sure to be a mesmerising performance, Helena Bonham Carter, Clarke Peters and Dame Harriet Walter will explore poetry to ease any ailment: from loneliness, lack of courage, heartbreak, hopelessness, or even from an excess of ego…

In the years since he first had the idea of prescribing short, powerful poems for all manner of spiritual ailments, William Sieghart has taken his Poetry Pharmacy around the length and breadth of Britain, into the pages of the Guardian, onto BBC Radio 4 and onto the television, honing his prescriptions all the time. Join us as he brings the show to Hampton Court Palace for a very special Poetry Pharmacy.

Miriam Margoyles and friends: What the Dickens!

The inimitable Miriam Margolyes takes to the stage to express her love and deep knowledge of the little-known writer, Charles Dickens…

Expect her to be funny, fascinating and – let’s be honest – probably a little bit naughty as she commands an army of famous friends for an evening of great, great expectations. From Twist to Pip, from Bumble to Marley, Miss Haversham and Peggotty, the cast of great Dickensian novels will be brought to life with fanfare and flourish.

Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves and Lee Child: The Perfect Crime 

Three of our greatest living crime writers – Sir Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves and Lee Child – take to the stage to discuss the crafting of a perfect crime. 

They’ll talk about the art of creating tension, the importance of reliable procedure and the difficulties that come hand in hand with long-term characters who develop a personality of their own…

Rev Richard Coles: The Golden Age Mystery 

Whether you know him from strutting his stuff on Strictly or ruminating on Radio 4, there’s no doubt that the Great British public loves the Reverend Richard Coles. 

His instantaneous humour, endearing personality and emotional openness has ensured an army of fans that keenly await the release of his mystery novels. 

Rev Coles will be talking to us about the mystery writers that have most influenced him over the years and how he continues to create these wonderful novels that resonate so strongly with his readers.

Kate Mosse presents: World War II – From Poland to Japan, Women Who Resisted

The incredible historical novelist Kate Mosse has adapted her one-woman show to perform a unique event for The Queen’s Reading Room Festival.  Kate has developed an hour-long talk with music and images, that centres on the extraordinary women of World War II who showed unwavering courage in the face of unprecedented adversity.  

From Irena Sendler, Yukiko Sugihara, Sophie Scholl and Renia Kukielka to Mary Elmes, Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo, her talk brings to life some of the unforgettable heroines who stood firm against the evils of the Third Reich.

Dr. Tracy Borman: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed The WorldJoin the brilliant best-selling author, historian and broadcaster, Dr Tracy Borman, for an illustrated talk on her latest book: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History.

Tracy will reveal, with reference to original documents and artefacts, how Anne Boleyn influenced her daughter Elizabeth I, and the enduring legacy these two women have had on the course of English history. All set within the gorgeous backdrop of Hampton Court, one of the foremost authorities on Tudor England will bring this historical duo’s shadowed relationship to light.

Elif Shafak: The Ethical Novelist 

Celebrated novelist Elif Shafak joins us to discuss her latest novel There are Rivers in the Sky.  She’ll explore how one lost poem, two great rivers and three remarkable lives, could all be connected by a single drop of water.  She’ll examine the intricacies involved in writing about nature and the powerful hold that rivers can come to have over the imagination.  

Mary Beard and Alex Michaelides: On the Classics 

There are no two writers alive who are more suitable to discuss the complexities of the classical novel than Mary Beard and Alex Michaelides.  Original, amusing and fiercely intelligent; there isn’t a subject on earth that these two staggeringly insightful writers are too fearful to tackle.  Take to your seats, and enjoy the ride. 

Harlan Coben and Mick Herron: Thrilling and Chilling 

The adaptation of Harlan Coben’s ‘Fool Me Once’ has thrilled audiences as much as ‘Slow Horses’ based on Mick Herron’s novels have had the nation gripped. This special session will bring together the titans of thriller-writing, Harlan Coben and Mick Herron as they divulge their most secret and valuable tips for writing a story that will thrill, chill and fit the bill. Hosted by Ken Follett, Coben and Herron will discuss the excitement and terror involved in writing for the reader, before sitting down to watch your own literary creation on television. 

Bookable literary themed tours of the Palace, along with a schedule of free book signings are available throughout the event.

The festival is a co-production between The Queen’s Reading Room and Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace. Proceeds will go towards the ongoing work of both charities. 

Tickets are available now via SEE tickets. [https://royalreadingroom.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options]

Queen Camilla’s chart-topping ‘Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ returns for 2nd season

● Neil Gaiman, Peter James, Kate Mosse and Richard E Grant among authors and actors set to feature on the 9 episode season which returns on Monday 20th May 

● The first season of ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ was listened to in 158 countries and featured in the top 1% of podcasts globally

● The first season of  the podcast also spent several consecutive weeks at the top of the book and arts podcast charts in the UK, US, Canada and Australia

The Queen’s Reading Room, the charity formed from the book club set up by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, has today announced the return of its chart-topping book podcast, ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’.  

The launch of season 2 comes just weeks after Her Majesty unveiled findings of the Charity’s ground-breaking research into benefits of reading at Clarence House AND comes only weeks before The Queen’s Reading Room Festival, which boasts a line-up including Helena Bonham Carter, Dame Harriet Walter & Harlan Coben, returns to Hampton Court Palace.  

The first series of The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast featured Rebus author Sir Ian Rankin, actress Dame Joanna Lumley, and comedian David Baddiel and was listened to in 158 countries.  Upon its launch, ‘The Queens Reading Room Podcast’ reached the top 1% of podcasts globally and spent several consecutive weeks at #1 in the UK arts and books podcast charts, #1 in the Canadian and Australian Apple books podcast charts and #14 in the US Apple podcast charts. 

Available weekly from Monday 20th May, the second season of The Queens Reading Room Podcast’ will continue to create a space where book lovers – and those who wish to connect more with books – can hear straight from the mouths of literary heroes. 

The new season will feature a celebrated literary line-up which boasts American Gods author Neil Gaiman, ‘Labyrinth’ author Kate Mosse and author of the ‘Roy Grace’ series Peter James, who will invite listeners inside their own reading rooms, taking us on their own personal journeys through the literature that influenced their lives. This brand new season will also feature Her Majesty Queen Camilla, who will once again let listeners in on some of her all-time favourite reads. 

CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room and podcast host Vicki Perrin said: “We were astounded by the response to the first season of The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast. It is clear that the podcast reached and resonated with listeners globally, enabling them to connect and fall in love with books.

“I hope that this second season of the podcast will continue to inspire listeners to go on new literary adventures and help those wishing they loved books a little more, to discover the true joy of reading.”

The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast season 2 is available from 00:01 on Monday 20th May on all podcasting platforms. The episode schedule is as follows:

Episode 1 –  20th May – Neil Gaiman

Episode 2 – 27th May – Mel Giedroyc
Episode 3 – 3rd June – Kate Mosse
Episode 4 – 10th June – Peter James
Episode 5 – 17th June – Santa Montefiore

Episode 6 –  24th June – Ben Okri

Episode 7 – 1st July – Clare Mackintosh

Episode 8 – 8th July – Curtis Sittenfeld
Episode 9 – 15th July – Richard E Grant 

BBC’s 500 Words competition winners announced

The winners of the UK’s most successful children’s writing competition, 500 Words, have been unveiled on World Book Day® in a special episode of The One Show – 500 Words with The One Show – on BBC One and iPlayer.

From thousands of talented entries, six exceptional young authors who submitted their stories to the BBC’s 500 words competition were crowned last week at the Grand Final in Buckingham Palace, with their identities kept secret until the big reveal on today’s special edition of The One Show.

Her Majesty the Queen invited Romesh Ranganathan and a host of celebrity readers including Hugh Bonneville, Oti Mabuse, Luke Evans, Olivia Dean, Tom Hiddleston and star of Matilda, Alisha Weir, to Buckingham Palace for the final event which opened with a special performance of ‘Pure Imagination’ from ‘Wonka’, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, followed by ‘When I Grow Up’ performed by the West End cast of Matilda The Musical.

All the excitement from entire event, including all the live performances by celebrity readers of the winning stories, will be available to watch on CBBC at 4pm Friday 8 March.

Speaking at the Grand Final, Her Majesty The Queen said: “In the three years that we have been without this wonderful competition, I think we have realised how much we have missed it.

“Over the years, it has actually turned into half a billion words that have been written, typed, scribbled and tumbled onto thousands of pages by children across the UK, read by an army of volunteers and then sent to Oxford University Press to form the biggest collection of children’s writing in the world.

“That means that between you, you have created more than a million stories of thought-provoking adventure for future generations to study and enjoy. Thank you to everybody who has taken part in 500 Words – it is a huge pleasure to have you back.”

BBC Head of Education, Helen Foulkes said: “It’s incredible that we received almost 44,000 entries – the calibre of stories submitted this year have been exceptionally high.

“500 Words is all about encouraging children from across the UK to enjoy writing and let their imaginations run wild, without fear of spelling, punctuation or grammar. Our hope is that every child that entered continues to fall in love with writing.”

The six winners were chosen from two age group categories, ages 5-7 and 8-11 with each consisting of gold, silver and bronze awards.

500 Words Gold Winners

  • The GOLD Winner for 5-7 age group is Evan from London, his story, Message in a Bottle was read by singer Olivia Dean. Evan said: “I like writing descriptions, letters and diaries.”
  • The GOLD Winner for the 8-11 age group is Olive from London, her story, Cellmate was read by actor, Tom Hiddleston. Olive said: “It came from the depths of my brain, I never knew what was down there, now I do!”

500 Words Silver Winners

  • The SILVER Winner for the 5-7 age group is Clara from Leicestershire, her story, Pony With a Coat on – Solving Crimes was read by Matilda star, Alisha Weir.
  • The SILVER Winner for the 8-11 age group was Spencer from Glasgow, his story, The Scottish Gangsta was read by Hugh Bonneville.

500 Words Bronze Winners

  • The BRONZE Winner for the 5-7 age group was Henry from Oxfordshire, his story The Alien and the Purple Planet was read by Oti Mabuse.
  • The BRONZE Winner for the 8-11 age group was Aaron from Oxfordshire, his story A Very Important Lesson was read by actor and singer, Luke Evans.

The 500 Words judges included Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Francesca Simon, Charlie Higson, and Malorie Blackman, who were chaired by BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay.

Each of the finalist’s stories are available to read now on the BBC Teach website, alongside audio versions which have been voiced specially by BBC Radio Drama Actors