On January 23, 2026, it was announced that Queen Camilla’s charity will investigate the positive effects of book clubs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 78-year-old royal founded The Queen’s Reading Room. Now, this organization is set to embark on pioneering research focused on how shared reading experiences can foster a sense of connection and belonging among participants.

Queen Camilla is an advocate for reading

Leading the study is Prof. Sam Wass from the University of East London. He commented, “This research presents a unique chance to explore the psychological and physiological impacts of reading in a group setting.”

While much is known about the advantages of solitary reading, this study aims to shed light on how reading together can influence stress levels, social bonds, and mental health.

“While previous research has shown the benefits of reading alone, far less is known about the impact of shared reading on stress, social connection and mental wellbeing.”

The laboratory-controlled project will use “rigorous neuroscientific methods” applied to shared reading groups to “build a clearer evidence base for how these collective experiences shape connection and belonging”.

The Queen’s Reading Room will work in partnership with The Bentley Foundation on the new research topic.

Vicki Perrin, chief executive of the Queen’s charity, said: “We have always believed passionately in the transformative power of reading, and our first study revealed glimpses of its remarkable effects on improving wellbeing and connection.

“We are deeply grateful to The Bentley Foundation for enabling us to go further, exploring what happens when people gather to share stories and connect over the pages of a book.

“Our mission has always been about lighting little fires, inspiring readers everywhere to find comfort, joy, and community in literature.

“Through this research, we hope to encourage people to make room for reading in their lives, demonstrating that these shared moments with books can truly transform us.”

The charity’s first research project found just five minutes of reading a day is as valuable to mental wellbeing as walking 10,000 steps or eating five portions of fruit and vegetables.

Camilla said at the time: “In addition to our five a day and our 10,000 steps, we should all be aiming for at least five minutes of reading every day for invaluable benefits for brain health and mental wellbeing.

“Just as we always suspected, books are good for us – and now science is proving us right!”

The results of the new study are expected to be released ahead of World Mental Health day in October.

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