Our Patron
Her Majesty The Queen
We are hugely grateful for the generous support of Her Majesty The Queen, who became Patron of the National Literacy Trust as HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in November 2010.
Her Majesty has a long-standing interest in literacy and reading and her invaluable support helps us to ensure children and adults across the UK have the literacy skills they need for a happier, healthier and more prosperous life.
Over the past 13 years The Queen has engaged with our work across the UK, with a particular focus on communities in our Literacy Hubs including Middlesbrough, Swindon, Peterborough and Stoke-on-Trent. Her Majesty has also hosted private receptions at Clarence House to honour those who make a valuable contribution to literacy in the UK.
Recent engagement
In May 2023, Shirehampton Primary School in Bristol welcomed Her Majesty The Queen to officially open their new school library which was the first in a series of 50 special primary school libraries to mark the 2023 Coronation.
The Coronation Libraries Project celebrates the role that The Queen has played in supporting literacy projects and encouraging young people to embrace reading from a young age. The project highlights the vital importance of primary school libraries in developing a life-long love of reading.
Her Majesty was accompanied by former Children’s Laureates Malorie Blackman and Cressida Cowell; authors Francesca Simon, Jasbinder Bilan and Chris Smith; and author/illustrator Rob Biddulph.
Her Majesty joined pupils for a “draw your own dream library” workshop, before officially marking the opening of the school library. The visit concluded with a Coronation draw-along led by Rob Biddulph followed by a farewell song sung by the pupils at Shirehampton Primary School.
Headteacher at Shirehampton Primary School, Louisa Munton, said:
“To see, first hand, the passion Her Majesty has for reading, and share with her the difference our new library will make to the school community was a privilege. The children at Shirehampton have big dreams and working alongside several well-known and renowned authors and illustrators was an amazing opportunity, helping them see how books can lead into future careers. Today's visit has provided experiences I could have only dreamed of for our children and I can't wait to see the positive impact it will have now and for years to come on the school.”