Queen Camilla Celebrates 79th Birthday With New Portrait and Major Children’s Reading Initiative
Queen Camilla has marked her 79th birthday with the release of a new official portrait alongside the announcement of a nationwide literacy campaign that will see thousands of schoolchildren across the UK receive a special edition of Impossible Creatures by acclaimed author Katherine Rundell this Christmas.
The birthday celebrations place a strong focus on the Queen’s long-running commitment to promoting reading and improving children’s literacy across the United Kingdom.
New Official Portrait Released for the Queen’s 79th Birthday
A new portrait of Queen Camilla has been unveiled to commemorate her 79th birthday.
The photograph, taken last month at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland, shows the Queen wearing a flowing blue dress while standing inside the castle’s State Drawing Room.
The image was released as part of the royal birthday celebrations and accompanies the launch of a new literacy initiative aimed at encouraging young people to develop a lifelong love of reading.
Every Year 6 Child to Receive Impossible Creatures This Christmas
As part of the Queen’s birthday celebrations, Buckingham Palace announced that every Year 6 and Primary 6 pupil across the UK will receive a special edition of Impossible Creatures by bestselling author Katherine Rundell.
The books will be distributed through schools and libraries during the Christmas period, giving children access to one of the UK’s most celebrated modern fantasy novels.
Each copy will also include a personal message from Queen Camilla.
In her message, the Queen describes the novel as:
“A brilliant fantasy that will introduce you to a host of mythical friends and terrifying enemies.”
The initiative is designed to encourage children to discover the enjoyment of reading while helping improve literacy among young readers nationwide.
Reading Campaign Supports National Year of Reading 2026
The nationwide book giveaway forms part of the National Year of Reading 2026, a campaign created to encourage reading as an everyday habit and inspire more children and families to embrace books.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, an organization where Queen Camilla serves as patron.
By placing a book directly into the hands of every eligible child, organizers hope to make reading more accessible while fostering creativity, imagination, and learning beyond the classroom.
Reading Remains at the Heart of Queen Camilla’s Public Work
Promoting literacy has become one of Queen Camilla’s signature causes throughout her years of public service.
She founded The Reading Room charity, which highlights the benefits of reading and encourages people of all ages to explore books and literature.
The Queen has consistently used her public platform to champion authors, libraries, schools, and literacy programmes designed to improve reading skills and encourage a stronger reading culture across the UK.
Recent Literary Engagements Continue Literacy Push
The birthday announcement follows several recent engagements focused on books and education.
Last month, Queen Camilla met Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling during Royal Week in Edinburgh, where the two discussed their shared passion for books and the importance of encouraging children to read from an early age.
The Queen has also continued her support for the BBC’s long-running 500 Words creative writing competition, which encourages children to develop storytelling and creative writing skills.
These efforts reinforce her ongoing commitment to making reading an important part of children’s education and everyday lives.
Queen Marks Birthday by Championing the Next Generation of Readers
Rather than focusing solely on royal celebrations, Queen Camilla’s 79th birthday has been used to launch a meaningful initiative that could place thousands of books into the hands of young readers across the UK.
With the special edition of Impossible Creatures reaching Year 6 and Primary 6 pupils this Christmas, the campaign aims to inspire imagination, strengthen literacy skills, and encourage more children to develop a lifelong love of reading.
