The Queen's Reading Room to launch debut book podcast

The Queen’s Reading Room, the charity formed from the book club set up by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, has today announced the launch of its debut book podcast, "The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast", dedicated to promoting the joy of reading. 

Sir Ian Rankin and Dame Joanna Lumley will head a guest list of famous authors, actors and personalities who will feature on the eight-episode podcast. 

Each week from Monday 8th January, authors, as well as stars of stage and screen, will share some of the books "they simply couldn’t live without". 

The first series of the podcast features author Rankin, actress Lumley, comedian David Baddiel and author Ann Patchett. Novelists Elif Shafak and Bonnie Garmus and children’s authors Joseph Coelho and Frank Cottrell-Boyce will also feature on the show. 

The podcast will be available on all podcasting platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and will consist of eight episodes, with a bonus episode featuring lexicographer and "Countdown" star Susie Dent. 

Vicki Perrin, c.e.o. of The Queen’s Reading Room and podcast host, said: “There is nothing quite like a brilliant book recommendation from a friend; but it’s even better when that person is one of your favourite authors or most admired persons. I hope that this podcast will inspire listeners to new literary adventures and help those wishing to love books a little more, find the books which set their imaginations alight.”

The charity has also confirmed that the Queen’s Reading Room Festival will return to Hampton Court Palace on Saturday, 8th June 2024. Further details, including the festival line-up, will be announced in 2024.