Queen Camilla Champions Literacy with Comic Book Characters in Edinburgh Launch
Queen Camilla has officially inaugurated a major new national reading initiative during a special visit to Edinburgh, where she was joined by schoolchildren, celebrated authors, and even the iconic comic book character Dennis the Menace and his dog Gnasher. The monarch's presence at the National Library of Scotland on Monday marked the launch of the first national year of reading since 2008, signalling a renewed commitment to improving literacy across the United Kingdom.
Addressing a Critical Decline in Reading Engagement
The initiative arrives at a pivotal moment, following concerning survey results from 2025 that examined reading habits among 7,739 children and young people aged eight to 18 in Scotland. The research revealed that only three in ten (30.3 per cent) actually enjoy reading during their free time, with a mere one in six (16.8 per cent) engaging with books on a daily basis. The National Literacy Trust, of which Camilla serves as patron, has issued stark warnings about the consequences of this trend, highlighting how declining reading skills can negatively impact young people's overall wellbeing, empathy, confidence, academic learning, and creative development.
A Royal Day of Literary Engagement and Creative Collaboration
During the launch event, Queen Camilla engaged in meaningful discussions with prominent Scottish literary figures including authors Jackie Kay, Val McDermid, and Sir Ian Rankin. She also participated in a roundtable conversation with representatives from key supporting organisations such as the Scottish Book Trust, the Scottish Library and Information Council, and the publisher DC Thomson.
A particularly memorable moment occurred when the Queen joined pupils from Granton and Clovenstone primary schools, who proudly presented their own original comic book characters. Camilla then took part in an illustration workshop where DC Thomson experts guided both the children and the monarch in drawing Dennis the Menace and his mischievous canine companion, Gnasher. The session culminated in the creation of a bespoke three-panel Beano comic strip that depicted Dennis and Gnasher meeting the Queen at the National Library, a collaborative effort involving the schoolchildren.
National Campaign Aims to Reinvigorate UK's Reading Culture
Jonathan Douglas CBE, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, emphasised the transformative potential of this nationwide campaign, stating: "The national year of reading provides us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the UK's relationship with reading and change people's life stories." He highlighted the invaluable support of Her Majesty The Queen as patron, alongside incredible ambassadors, events and partnerships that can inspire every child, young person and adult to engage deeply with reading throughout 2026 and beyond.
David Hayman, director of the National Year of Reading, added: "Reading is one of the most powerful tools we have to learn, create and grow. But, right now, too many people are switching off from it." He explained that the campaign's 'go all in' approach aims to transform how the nation perceives reading, reaching people where they are and reigniting excitement about the power, joy and relevance that reading can bring to their lives.
Literary Figures Highlight Reading's Transformative Power
Award-winning author and national year of reading ambassador Val McDermid underscored the profound importance of literacy, stating: "Reading is a window on the world beyond our own. It shows us possibilities and gives us the tools to make them realities. Reading is the greatest gift we can give our children. And ourselves." Her words echoed the campaign's core message that reading in all its forms – whether fiction, non-fiction, song lyrics, or comic books – can unlock passions and connect people through shared stories and experiences.
