The Queen praised the US state visit as ‘fantastic’ and encouraged Americans to continue reading in a personal message shared during a rare TV interview. Camilla delivered her message while conversing with TV presenter Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former US president George W Bush, at the New York Public Library.
During her visit to the library, Camilla participated in an event associated with her Reading Room charity, read a passage from Winnie the Pooh to schoolchildren, and gifted a ‘Roo’ doll to expand the library’s collection of Winnie-the-Pooh toys. This occurred after Camilla’s two-day visit to Washington DC alongside King Charles and US President Donald Trump, commemorating the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Reflecting on the state visit, the Queen described it as “enjoyable,” expressing gratitude for the warm reception received. The Queen conveyed her message to America on its 250th anniversary by emphasizing the importance of reading, citing declining reading rates among children and the need to address this issue.
In a segment aired on NBC’s TODAY show, Camilla shared with the host her inspiration for a love of books, attributing it to her father, Major Bruce Shand. The Queen reminisced about her father’s nightly storytelling sessions that sparked her interest in reading.
Bush Hager also reminisced about their previous meeting in 2005, highlighting their shared love for books. As the King and Queen conclude their four-day state visit, Charles’ first trip to the US as monarch, they will venture to Virginia to participate in a celebratory “block-party” with residents, honoring America’s Founding Fathers and their revolutionary spirit.
Additionally, the King will engage with indigenous communities and conservation efforts in a national park, while the Queen will visit a farm to spotlight America’s horse racing industry and its historical connections with the UK.
