Queen Camilla dazzled in a patterned dress today as launched the ‘Coronation Libraries’ Initiative in Bristol today.
The Queen, 75, beamed as she sat down with school children at Shirehampton Primary School, and talked about their favourite books, including murder mysteries and the Horrid Henry series.
‘They’re quite good aren’t they? They keep you laughing,’ the royal said.
Camilla took part in a draw-along session with pupils and joined in, drawing a crown reminiscent of the one she wore at her Coronation.
Part of the Initiative will see 50 Coronation libraries and reading spaces created in UK schools next year, particularly in areas with low levels of literacy.
This trip was Camilla’s first solo engagement since she was crowned at the first Coronation in 70 years.
Camilla travelled to Shirehampton Primary School in Bristol today to officially launch the ‘Coronation Libraries’ Initiative
The royal has always been a strong advocate reading and literacy, as she has been a patron of the National Literacy Trust since 2010.
One video shows Camilla sitting with a group of children and the author of Horrid Henry, Francesca Simon.
Camilla said to Francesca: ‘Did you pick that one (book) specially for the occasion?’
She then responded: ‘It’s an accident! I just happened to have it.’
The royal then asked the group of school children whether everyone enjoyed the book, to which the children say ‘yes’ in unison.
Camilla asks the pupils: ‘Have you read a lot of Horrid Henry before?’ to which the children say that they have.
Francesca then says that murder mystery books are high up on the list of what people like to read, to which Camilla exclaims: ‘Oh are they?’
The Queen beamed as she looked over the shoulders of pupils taking part in a draw-along session
Camilla sat next to a smiley pupil and conversed as she got involved in the draw-along herself
The Queen, who was Coronated a less than two weeks ago, drew a crown reminiscent of the one she wore at the ceremony
She then asks the pupils: ‘Who likes murder mysteries?’
Most of the group put their hands up. She then asks: ‘So what are your favourites?’
One boy said his favourite murder mystery book to which Camilla then responds: ‘That’s a good one, that’s a good book.’
Another video emerged of a playground full of singing children who were waving flags and drawings at the Queen as she greeted them.
Camilla then spoke to a group of pupils in the library and asked them if they enjoy reading Horrid Henry
Camilla is pictured with the author of Horrid Henry, Francesca Simon who attended the launch of the Initiative
The Queen smiled as she bent down and shook the hands of primary school children in Bristol
This is Camilla’s first solo engagement since her Coronation on the 6 May. The Queen smiled as she is given drawings and flowers from adoring pupils
The Queen dazzled as she recycled her Fiona Clare feather print frock, as she went around the room speaking to different groups of children
The Queen recycled her long-sleeved navy blue Fiona Clare feather print dress, which sat just above her ankle.
She paired the frock with brown suede black heels and donned gold jewellery, including a blue Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet which featured their classic clover charms.
Camilla’s signature blonde locks sat just above her shoulders and she opted for natural makeup.
Key Stage 1 and nursery pupils at the primary school will also attend a Coronation tea party in the playground with the Queen.
Camilla walks along the hallway of the school with two of the primary school children
A plaque was placed in the library, which featured the Coronation emblem on it
The 50 libraries that are due to be launched under the Initiative will be given a set of 23 books which are picked by children nationwide.
The books will have a special commemorative bookplate, which will have the Coronation emblem on it and each library will be given a commemorative plaque.
The libraries are due to have a refurbishment and restock.
Members of staff will be around to organise reading activities for pupils and and to help manage the library.
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