Queen Camilla's Reading Room Festival at Hampton Court Palace to take place

The Queen's Reading Room charity, formed from the Instagram book club established by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, has today confirmed that acclaimed actors Clarke Peters and Dame Harriet Walter will join the line-up for the Charity's 2nd annual Queen's Reading Room Festival which returns to Hampton Court Palace on June 8th.

The 2024 Queen's Reading Room festival line-up will build on the success of last year's event, which attracted more than 8,000 visitors from all corners of the globe. This year's programme will see Miriam Margolyes take to the main stage in one of the Palace's atmospheric Tudor courtyards to express her love and deep knowledge of Charles Dickens (US actor Clarke Peters). Olivier-winning actress Dame Harriet will join Helena Bonham Carter on the main stage for a very special edition of William Sieghart's Poetry Pharmacy whilst Ken Follett will host Harlan Coben and Mick Herron for an exclusive session for thriller-fanatics, delving into Coben and Herron's most secret and valuable tips for writing a story that will thrill, chill and fit the bill.

Visitors will be able to enjoy an array of street food, explore the stunning Palace on specially-created literary-themed tours and tread the floors where Shakespeare once performed with his King's Men; as well as wander the sumptuous gardens bursting with life in summer and enjoy shows from our other headliners which include none other than Ann Cleeves, Elif Shafak, Kate Mosse and many others.

The Queen's Reading Room, launched as a charity by Her Majesty The Queen in February 2023, is on a mission to spread the joy and benefits of reading and has just published its first neuroscientific research study into the link between reading fiction and well-being. CEO of The Queen's Reading Room, Vicki Perrin, said: "Last year's Queen's Reading Room festival was a joyous occasion, filled with laughter and fantastic story-telling set against the magical backdrop of Hampton Court Palace. We can't wait to replicate it again this year and build on our success with a brilliant programme of stellar international authors and performances from much-loved actors. We know that the 2024 festival will be an unmissable summer event and we look forward to seeing you there."

Nicola Andrews, palaces group director at Historic Royal Palaces, said: "We are delighted to be hosting 'The Queen's Reading Room Festival' at Hampton Court Palace again, following a hugely successful inaugural year in 2023. This year, we look forward once more to playing host to a whole range of stars from the arts and literary world, with the Palace and its long connection with literature forming a fitting backdrop for what promises to be an exciting day of talks, tours and performances."

The festival is a co-production between The Queen's Reading Room and Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace. Proceeds will go towards the ongoing work of both charities. Tickets are available now via SEE tickets, https://royalreadingroom.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options