Queen Camilla made a surprise visit to the Women’s Prize for Fiction and Non-Fiction event in London, where she celebrated the literary contributions of female authors. The event, which took place on a recent evening, showcased the works of women writers and highlighted the importance of their voices in literature.
During her visit, Queen Camilla engaged with several notable authors, including Bernardine Evaristo, who received The Women’s Prize Outstanding Contribution Award. The Queen took time to meet the six authors shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, emphasizing her commitment to supporting women’s literature.
Queen Camilla discussing the books with some of the authors including Nussaibah Younis. Her recent novel, Fundamentally, fictionalizes and dramatizes the compelling true story of an academic’s efforts to deradicalize a young Islamic State recruit. Younis humorously remarked on the event’s atmosphere, stating, “We are trying to take each other out. The champagne glasses are spiked – there could be one less standing by this afternoon!”
The Queen’s second stop was a temporary Waterstones bookstore, where authors signed books for the public. She pretty quickly heard that they kept the bar open past hours for people standing in line to greet their new favorite authors. Yet, more than just the photo ops, this initiative highlighted the energetic community movement supporting the event.
Queen Camilla expressed her admiration for the Women’s Prize. Mawhinney emphasized its irreplaceable role in raising women’s voices from the periphery of the literary landscape. She acknowledged the prize’s success since its inception in 1995, stating, “Three decades later, your achievements are impressive. Budding authors have benefitted from the wisdom of those who have trodden the same path.”
During a video conversation with author Claire Mulley, Queen Camilla expressed her excitement at reading `Agent Zo’. The book unfolds as the memoir of a Polish underground wartime resistance fighter. “I think I will put that on my holiday reading list,” she said. This feeling came through in her gratitude for writers who focus on telling those necessary historical stories.
The Queen and Yael van der Wouden, The Safekeep’s creator. She remembered her from their fateful meeting at the Booker Prize. “We met at the Booker [Prize]. Good to see you again,” she remarked warmly.
She had the chance to connect with Aurelie de Troyer, Audible’s head of regional content for Europe. Specifically, they were talking about the increasing popularity of audiobooks. Queen Camilla remarked, “The nice thing about it is that you can take it with you wherever you go,” highlighting the convenience and accessibility that audiobooks offer to readers.
Her interactions included a conversation with Chloe Dalton, who authored the memoir Raising Hare, about transitioning from urban life to a rural lifestyle. In response to Queen Camilla’s praise, Dalton expressed her gratitude: “Thank you so much, I am honoured.”
As her visit concluded, Queen Camilla reflected on the significance of literary prizes for women, stating, “A woman must have a prize of her own if she is to write fiction,” a thought that resonates with Virginia Woolf’s views on women’s place in literature.
“Happy birthday, congratulations and thank you to every one of you who has been involved over the last 30 years.” – Queen Camilla
Queen Camilla’s visit was both an endorsement and a celebration of women’s literary achievements. She’s vocally supportive of her authors and passionately defends their work. This incredible dedication is yet another testament to her outstanding commitment to recognizing and uplifting women’s voices in fiction.
