EXPLAINED: Vicki perrin | Rare Historical Photos

Queen describes reading charity’s mission as ‘more urgent than ever’

‘Books do make life better, and this is only the beginning,’ says Camilla

The Independent UK · Jan 8

Queen’s urgent mission over reading rates as book club charity marks milestone

Camilla founded The Queen’s Reading Room in lockdown and its reach has spread to more than 180 countries as it celebrates its fifth anniversary.

Evening Standard · Jan 8

Forget chatbots: research suggests reading can help combat loneliness and boost the brain

Loneliness has become such a widespread problem that Silicon Valley billionaires are now highlighting it to market AI companions, with Mark Zuckerberg recently stating “the average American has fewer than three friends”.

The Conversation · May 14, 2025