Even members of the Royal Family need a break from their busy schedules, and Queen Camilla recently made a refreshingly relatable confession about what she truly cherishes when she’s on vacation. Despite her well-known love of books and her work promoting literacy, Camilla admitted that her royal duties often leave her too exhausted to read.
However, there is one time when she can fully indulge in her favorite pastime—during a holiday.
Speaking at the BBC 500 Words awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace on March 6, Queen Camilla opened up about her personal reading habits, revealing that despite launching The Queen’s Reading Room, a virtual book club and literacy charity, she doesn’t always have the time—or energy—to read as much as she’d like.
“I do when I have a holiday,” she admitted with a smile. “I do try occasionally to read at night, but I read two pages and fall asleep and have to start again.”
It’s a struggle that countless book lovers can relate to—attempting to unwind with a good novel at the end of the day, only to be defeated by exhaustion. The Queen’s confession resonated with many, proving that even the most dedicated readers aren’t immune to the demands of daily life.
While Camilla’s royal schedule might limit her reading time, her passion for literature remains unwavering. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to promote literacy, hosting events and advocating for reading programs across the U.K.
The BBC 500 Words awards ceremony, which honors young writers and encourages creativity without fear of spelling or grammar mistakes, is just one of the many initiatives she proudly supports.
Buckingham Palace has described the competition as a way to empower children of all backgrounds and abilities to express themselves through storytelling. Queen Camilla’s presence at the event highlighted her continued dedication to fostering a love of literature among the younger generation.
Her commitment to literacy extends beyond events—through The Queen’s Reading Room, she has built a platform that encourages people to explore literature from all genres. Despite the irony of struggling to find time to read herself, Camilla remains a passionate advocate for the written word.
While her official duties might prevent her from curling up with a book as often as she’d like, vacations are a different story. When she finally gets time away from royal engagements, Camilla makes the most of it by soaking up the sun with a book in hand.
Her son, food critic Tom Parker Bowles, recently revealed some charming insights into his mother’s love for travel and relaxation. Speaking to The Sunday Times, he shared that Camilla is happiest when she has two simple things: sunshine and a good book.
“I haven’t flown with my mother for years, but when my sister and I were young, it was always British Airways in economy,” Parker Bowles recalled. “My mother loves walking, and I love walking, so we just wander off together. She hasn’t changed at all over the years: if you give her the sun and a book, she’s perfectly happy.”
It’s a wonderfully down-to-earth image of the Queen—far removed from the grand palaces and royal ceremonies, simply enjoying the warmth of the sun and the pages of a book, just like millions of others around the world.
Camilla’s candid admission and her son’s stories reinforce her reputation as one of the more relatable members of the Royal Family. While the public often envisions royalty jetting off to lavish private islands or exclusive resorts, the Queen’s idea of a perfect holiday is refreshingly simple.
She prefers a peaceful retreat where she can do what she rarely has time for—read.
Her choice to vacation in low-key destinations, often opting for scenic walks and quiet moments rather than extravagant outings, showcases her down-to-earth personality. Whether she’s wandering through picturesque landscapes or reclining with a book on a beach, Camilla’s approach to travel is about unwinding rather than indulging in grandeur.
This lighthearted revelation about her reading habits comes at a time when the Royal Family is facing numerous challenges. With King Charles undergoing cancer treatment and ongoing concerns about the monarchy’s future, Queen Camilla’s relatable humor and warmth provide a much-needed breath of fresh air.
The ability to step away from duty, even briefly, is essential for any public figure, and Camilla’s honesty about her struggles with finding personal time resonates with many. In a world where life moves quickly and responsibilities pile up, the Queen’s confession serves as a gentle reminder to carve out moments for the things that bring joy—whether that’s reading, traveling, or simply taking a quiet walk.
As Queen Camilla continues to champion literacy, support charitable causes, and fulfill her royal duties, she remains an example of how to balance responsibility with personal passion. Even if she can only read a few pages at a time before falling asleep, her love for books is evident in the work she does to inspire others to embrace reading.
Whether she’s attending literary events, supporting young writers, or sneaking in a few pages during a well-earned holiday, Camilla is proof that a love for books can withstand even the busiest of schedules. And when the rare opportunity for a vacation arises, you can be sure she’ll be making the most of it—with a book in one hand and a sunny destination in the background.
