Queen Camilla Praises Young Writers at Palace Reception
Queen Camilla celebrated the exceptional talent of young writers from across the globe during a special reception at St James's Palace in London. The event honoured the winners and runners-up of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, an initiative run by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883.
Her Majesty warmly addressed the gathered finalists, acknowledging their shared "incurable itch for writing." She commended their ability to transport readers on a "Commonwealth Journey," vividly describing life from Namibia to New Zealand and Pakistan to Papua New Guinea through their words.
Celebrity Readings and Distinguished Guests
The presentation ceremony was graced by a host of famous faces who lent their voices to the winning entries. Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, former Spice Girl Geri Horner, and celebrated children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson were among the celebrities who read the acclaimed essays aloud.
The guest list also included Janet Cooper, chairwoman of the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), who described the 53,434 entries received this year from 54 Commonwealth nations as "truly remarkable." This impressive figure underscores the competition's enduring global reach and popularity.
Meet the 2025 Winners and Their Bright Futures
The competition crowned its champions in both junior and senior categories. Vivaan Agarwal, a 14-year-old from Jaipur, India, was named the junior winner, with the runner-up title going to Lakshmi Manognya Achanta, also 14, from Singapore.
In the senior category, Kaira Puri, aged 17 from New Delhi, claimed the winner's title. The senior runner-up was Pandora Onyedire, a 17-year-old from Lagos, Nigeria. Queen Camilla expressed her confidence that these brilliant finalists have "an exciting future ahead," using their literary skills to express their ambitions and fill others with hope.
Adding to the celebratory week, the winners received a private tour of the House of Commons from Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Sir Lindsay later remarked at the palace event that the young writers are "the next generation who will deliver," stating confidently that "the Commonwealth is safe in their hands."
