The Queen expressed her delight at attending her first public engagement since battling through illness, stating, "I think I’m on the mend" during the reception for the prestigious Booker Prize at Clarence House. Having contracted a chest infection after her long-haul tour to Australia and Samoa about two and a half weeks ago, this event marked her initial appearance since falling ill.
On Tuesday afternoon at the Clarence House gathering, Camilla interacted with shortlisted authors from the Booker Prize, showcasing her dedication to literature. The winner of this coveted literary award was set to be announced later the same evening, with Camilla attending for only about ten minutes.
The reception was attended by chief executive Gaby Wood and the chair of the 2024 judges, Edmund de Waal, who greeted the Queen as she arrived. "I’m obviously getting much besser. A bit of sort of coughing going on," she remarked to Ms. Wood, indicating her gradual recovery.
Among her engagements, the Queen spent time speaking with the six finalists for this year’s award, as she reminisced with American writer Percival Everett, with whom she had connected during the 2022 shortlist event. "You think you’ve got rid of it, then they just sort of hang on for a little bit, but hopefully I’m on the mend now," she shared with the authors.
The authors, surrounded by Camilla’s warmth and enthusiasm for literature, were thrilled to converse about their works. The Queen was eager to hear about their respective books, prompting talented novelist Charlotte Wood to mention how the trip to her city left such fond memories. Camilla replied, recalling, "We were thrilled to be there, it was so lovely to get such a warm welcome."
Notably, Camilla’s brief engagement with the authors included light-hearted banter, as she teased them, asking whether they all read each other's books. When told they do, she quipped, "well, it’s quite nice to see what you’re up against." Such moments illustrated the camaraderie and mutual respect present at the event.
At the conclusion of her visit, Camilla stated, "Literature has always been my passion," with her eyes shining with admiration for the authors present. "I’m extremely jealous because I would love to be able to write like all of you do. Seeing people like you, I know I couldn't possibly do something like this," she confessed.
The Queen’s illness had previously compelled her to miss significant family gatherings, including the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, and the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Engaging with the Booker Prize finalists not only marked her return to public duties but also highlighted her steadfast commitment to literature and storytelling.
Camilla’s efforts to promote reading stem from her Reading Room project, which she launched during the lockdown. The initiative has blossomed and now features podcasts with prominent writers and hosts its own literary festival for the second consecutive year. This year’s Booker Prize shortlist breaks new ground, featuring the largest number of women authors—five—as opposed to just one man.
The nominated works include Percival Everett’s James, Samantha Harvey’s Orbital, Rachel Kushner’s Creation Lake, Anne Michaels’ Held, Yael van der Wouden’s The Safekeep, and Charlotte Wood’s Stone Yard Devotional. Each author on the shortlist stands to win £2,500, with the overall winner receiving £50,000.
Recent Booker Prize winners have included notable authors such as Bernardine Evaristo, Margaret Atwood, and Douglas Stuart. Their impressive storytelling and creativity continue to inspire new generations of readers and writers. This year's panel and celebration aim to recognize contemporary narratives and the voices behind them.
Camilla's return is not just about her health but is also symbolic of the importance of literature as she embraces her role as patron of various literary organizations. Her commitment to fostering literary talent is reflected through interactions with authors and her dedication to raising awareness around literature, proving just how integral reading and writing have become to her life.
