The Duchess of Cornwall has taken on a patronage once held by the late Duke of Edinburgh, becoming the new patron of Book Aid International.
Book Aid International’s mission is to work with publishers and other industry partners to supply one million new books to public libraries, community libraries, schools, universities, refugee camps, hospitals and prisons around the world.
Camilla first became involved with the charity’s work in 2018, when she opened a library at the St. Joseph’s School in Banjul, The Gambia, which was supported by Book Aid International.
Clarence House shared the news, tweeting: “The Duchess of Cornwall is delighted to have taken on the patronage of @Book_Aid from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.”
Prince Philip held the patronage from 1966 until his death in April 2021.
“Book Aid International has always worked with its partners to create access to books where it is needed most – and with those books comes the chance for learning and literacy to flourish,” said Dr Alice Prochaska, Book Aid International’s Chair, in a statement.
“We have updated our strategy to commit even more strongly to this fundamental mission and are committed to sharing the power of books with the people most in need around the world – especially women and girls, and people fleeing conflict. Her Royal Highness is a powerful advocate for the importance of books for everyone. It is especially meaningful and a very great honour that she has become our Patron as we start this new chapter in our story.”
The charity’s Vice Patron, Lord Paul Boateng said of Prince Philip’s involvement, “I saw the impact at first hand of His Royal Highness Prince Philips’ Patronage on Book Aid International and its work, and I am glad that our proud history of Royal Patronage will now continue. We are grateful and honoured by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall’s support and hugely appreciative of her own work in furthering the love of books and writing in the Commonwealth and beyond.”
