Book Aid International is a charity that works with publishers in the United Kingdom and its partners across the world to provide brand-new books to the needy every year. Globally, people in many refugee camps, community libraries, schools, hospitals, and prisons have benefitted through Book Aid International's charity; thus people getting an opportunity to read in life.
Now, news is that Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, is the new patron of Book Aid International. 'The Duchess takes on the role from the late Prince Philip, who was the charity’s patron from 1966 until his death in April 2021,' reports The Bookseller.
For those who don't know, Camilla is a strong supporter of books and reading. She also has her own virtual book club called The Reading Room, wherein she shares her book recommendations with fellow readers every season.
Camilla first got in touch with Book Aid International while she was on a visit to Gambia. She opened a new library at Banjul's St Joseph’s school, which was supported by the charity.
Talking about Camilla being made the new patron of Book Aid International, the charity’s international chair, Dr Alice Prochaska said, as per The Bookseller, “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... 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.”
Meanwhile, Lord Boateng, vice-president of the charity, added as per the report, “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... 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.”
