Camilla, an avid book lover who has long championed the important power of reading, especially for children, visited the school to open the 2000th new ‘Coronation Library’ for primary pupils, part of living legacy dedicated to Their Majesties’ accession to the throne. And she appeared delighted to see so many youngsters enthused by the hundreds of books now on offer in the new facility.
“So you all enjoy reading then? How brilliant. And are you all budding librarians then?” she asked pupil librarians from a number of local primary schools who were taking part in a classroom workshop.
The school visit, which comes at a turbulent time for the Royal Family due to the release of more documents highlighting Andrew’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marks the first Coronation Library to open in a school during the 2026 National Year of Reading, a Department of Educational and National Literacy Trust initiative which aims to reconnect people of all ages with a love of books.
Accompanied by executive headteacher Lee Duffy and author Tola Okogwu, the royal first met with the pupil librarians before joining an interactive assembly with Key Stage Two students led by another children’s author, Chris Smith.
Sitting on the stage, the Queen clearly enjoyed listening to the pupils as they came up with ideas for a mystery centred around a sandwich. Dozens of excited hands shot into the air wanting to contribute to the initiative.
She then headed to meet reception-aged children who were discussing their favourite books. Noting one of themes, she asked one youngster: “Are you a dangerous dinosaur then?” before bending down to chat to the group.
Camilla was also given a special book containing pupils’ drawings of their favourite book covers created with author and illustrator Sophy Henn, who said she had been overwhelmed by their creativity and enthusiasm.