Duchess of Cornwall made patron of Book Aid International

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is to be the new patron of Book Aid International.

The charity works with UK publishers and a global network of partners to provide more than one million brand-new books every year to refugee camps, schools, community libraries, prisons and hospitals around the world, where people would otherwise lack the opportunity to read.

The Duchess takes on the role from the late Prince Philip, who was the charity’s patron from 1966 until his death in April last year. 

The Duchess first came into contact with the charity while on a visit to Gambia, where she opened a new library at St Joseph’s school in Banjul, that was supported by organisation.
 “Book Aid International has always worked with its partners to create access to books where it is needed most – and with those books comes the chance for learning and literacy to flourish,” said the charity’s international chair, Dr Alice Prochaska. “We have updated our strategy to commit even more strongly to this fundamental mission and are committed to sharing the power of books with the people most in need around the world – especially women and girls, and people fleeing conflict. Her Royal Highness is a powerful advocate for the importance of books for everyone. It is especially meaningful and a very great honour that she has become our patron as we start this new chapter in our story.”  

“I saw the impact at first hand of His Royal Highness Prince Philip’s patronage on Book Aid International and its work, and I am glad that our proud history of royal patronage will now continue,” added Lord Boateng, vice-president of the charity. “We are grateful and honoured by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall’s support and hugely appreciative of her own work in furthering the love of books and writing in the Commonwealth and beyond.”