During a recent visit, the Queen was informed about the significant positive impact of a generous book donation from her reading charity to a homelessness organization. The donation has been described as profoundly transformative for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Accompanied by broadcaster Lorraine Kelly and author Elif Shafak, Camilla, aged 77, visited a St Mungo’s accommodation service in South East London. The visit showcased how a reading initiative is enhancing the well-being and confidence of individuals recovering from homelessness.
The Queen’s Reading Room, known for its research indicating the therapeutic benefits of stories and shared reading in trauma recovery, initiated a partnership with St Mungo’s in 2024. Since the start of 2025, hundreds of books, bookshelves, and a specialized training toolkit have been provided to St Mungo’s services to enable the running of book clubs for homeless individuals.
Through this collaboration, St Mungo’s has observed an improvement in confidence, well-being, and increased engagement with support services among those experiencing homelessness, contributing directly to their recovery.
During her tour of the facility, Camilla engaged with various St Mungo’s staff and volunteers, acknowledging their crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals supported by the charity.
Feedback from individuals benefiting from the reading scheme highlighted how it has positively influenced their recovery journey. One person expressed how rediscovering the joy of reading had boosted their confidence, reflecting on their childhood reading experiences.
Within the ‘Activities Room’ of the center, Camilla interacted with individuals participating in St Mungo’s shared reading program. She praised the variety of genres available and the diverse selection of books, emphasizing the importance of literature catering to everyone’s preferences.
Former client Lee emotionally shared his experience of finding solace in reading while previously homeless. Grateful for the support received from St Mungo’s, he emphasized the therapeutic value of literature in providing an escape and fostering creativity.
To mark the occasion, Camilla donated 20 books based on a personalized ‘Book Menu’ reflecting the interests of residents. These selections, including popular titles like Wuthering Heights and War Horse, were sourced from her book club collection.
During a conversation with Lorraine, the Queen expressed her passion for reading, acknowledging it as a valuable gift. The broadcaster shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the positive impact of combining support for homeless individuals with promoting a culture of reading.
Addressing the audience, Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, highlighted the profound impact of the reading scheme on residents and clients, emphasizing the joy and therapeutic power of books in the recovery process.
Appreciative of the collaboration, the Queen expressed her delight in witnessing the positive effects of her reading room in providing an escape for individuals. She commended the efforts of St Mungo’s in promoting reading and thanked them for the opportunity to contribute.
St. Mungo’s, a prominent homelessness charity in England, works tirelessly to support individuals experiencing homelessness, offering pathways to permanent solutions. The reading scheme, operational in nine of the charity’s centers, has proven instrumental in enhancing the well-being and confidence of those supported by the organization.
Milena, a beneficiary of the literary scheme, shared her excitement upon receiving books from The Queen’s Reading Room at her St Mungo’s accommodation. Highlighting the transformative impact of reading on her journey from rough sleeping to rediscovering her passion for literature, she emphasized the role of literature in fostering self-esteem and personal growth.
Lorraine praised the Queen for her commitment to the charity, underscoring the importance of initiatives that combine support for homeless individuals with promoting a culture of reading. She commended the Queen’s involvement, noting its positive influence on inspiring hope and empowerment among the beneficiaries.