The Duchess of Cornwall met with authors and playwrights during a reception to mark National Literacy Week at Clarence House today.
Her Royal Highness, who became Patron of the National Literacy Trust in November 2010, gave a speech during the reception to highlight the need for literacy to be accessible for everyone.
Guests at the event included playwrights Alan Bennett and Tom Stoppard and authors Joanna Trollope and Young Bond author Charlie Higson.
In her speech, The Duchess spoke fondly about her own experiences of being read to by her late father, Major Bruce Shand, when she was a child.
She added: “I firmly believe in the importance of igniting a passion for reading in the next generation.
“The power of a captivating story – a well-honed sentence – or a beautifully crafted character is immense, not only taking the reader – or listener – to different worlds, but broadening and stimulating the mind too.”
The National Literacy Trust aims to transform lives through literacy, and has reached in excess of 18 million children and adults since it was established in 1993. The charity aims to improve public understanding of the importance of making literacy accessible to everyone.