Queen Camilla has praised the power of books and reading at a special reception which highlighted the positive impact that literature has on mental health.
The Queen’s Reading Room event took place at Clarence House and highlighted new research which shows that five minutes a day reading, especially in the morning, reduces stress considerably.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe neuroscientific research used brain scans and skin tests to see the impact of reading. It concluded that just five minutes with a book every day can bring down stress by 20% and will also give an 11% improvement in concentration.
Contributors to the study also said they felt more connected to others and better prepared to take on challenges.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe findings came as no surprise to The Queen who told her guests that ”just as we always suspected, books are good for us – and now science is proving us right!”
The evening reception was a celebration of The Queen’s Reading Room and those who have built it as an online community supporting books. Her Majesty said ”since it began three years ago, it has reached nearly 12 million people through all its platforms, produced more than a thousand pieces of educational literary content and had its inaugural festival at Hampton Court, attended by almost 8,000 people from as far afield as the United States, Canada, Northern Africa, Australia and New Zealand.”
Embed from Getty ImagesQueen Camilla concluded ”this would not have been possible without all of you: your talents, your imagination, your originality, your support and, most of all, your profound love of the written word…..we share a very special bond, ladies and gentlemen – our love of books. Thank you for helping to spread the word.”
The reception was attended by some of the big stars who have supported The Queen’s Reading Room including Joanna Lumley, Helena Bonham Carter and Gyles Brandreth.
