As every parent in the UK knows, March 7th 2019 is World Book Day. While mums, dads and carers put down their latest read to try and sort out the costume that their little ones will wear into school for the event, those organising this annual celebration of literature and learning are getting ready to encourage even more people to enjoy a good book. And among the most high profile supporters this year is, as always, the Duchess of Cornwall.
Camilla’s passion for literacy and her determination to bring the joys of reading to as many as possible is well known. She is patron of a number of organisations supporting people across the community to access and enjoy books and learning. She’s shown her support for World Book Day before and this year, the Duchess of Cornwall will be a champion for the event which will involve sharing some of her favourite childhood reads on social media.
On the day itself, Camilla will visit a primary school in London to hear what children there love about reading and discover some of their favourite books. She’ll also meet the school’s ‘reading heroes’.
Some other very familiar faces will also be championing the initiative this year. Strictly Come Dancing star, Anton du Beke, and British astronaut, Tim Peake, are lending their support to the event along with singer and songwriter, Gary Barlow. All the champions will share images of themselves and others reading throughout the day to try and encourage more people to pick up a book.
World Book Day has been running since 1995 and it’s designated by UNESCO as a global celebration of books and reading. Over 100 countries around the world mark the event and schools and children get access to book tokens and resource packs to help encourage literacy.
World Book Day takes place on March 7th in the UK and Ireland and on April 23rd 2019 in the rest of the world.
