Camilla Reveals Literary Preferences During Historic Heywood Hill Visit
A Royal Reader’s Honest Assessment
Queen tells booksellers I hate sci fi – During a memorable visit to the prestigious Heywood Hill bookshop in Mayfair, Queen Camilla shared her candid thoughts on literature, revealing that science fiction is not among her preferred genres. The monarch, who has long been recognized as an enthusiastic reader and supporter of numerous literary institutions, participated in the shop’s renowned reading consultation service. This unique tradition invites patrons to discuss their literary preferences and receive personalized recommendations for a full year of book deliveries.
When asked to identify her most treasured literary works, Camilla immediately highlighted Elizabeth Jane Howard’s Cazalet Chronicles as her “absolute favourite.” She followed this with Alexandre Dumas’ classic adventure novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. The monarch appeared somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer volume of books she enjoys, remarking to Harriet Bibby, the deputy bookshop manager who conducted the consultation, “Goodness me, there are so many after that. I’m thinking of them all, but they all seem to come up at the same time.”
Genre Preferences and Reading Habits
Camilla expressed particular admiration for Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow, describing it as “just wonderful.” She also praised the contributions of British authors William Boyd and Anthony Horowitz to contemporary literature. During the visit, which coincided with Heywood Hill’s 90th anniversary celebrations, the Queen estimated that her reading habits consist of approximately 80% fiction and 20% non-fiction works.
When questioned about any genres she might not enjoy, Camilla responded without hesitation: “I hate sci-fi,” clearly pronouncing the term as “sky-fi.” Her reaction drew laughter from those present as she elaborated: “That, I’m afraid, is not my favourite. I’m sure a lot of people love it, but, um… No science fiction. No, I can’t do that, you have to have some things you love and some things you really don’t love, and that really is one I don’t love.”
Hands-On Experience and Historical Connections
As part of the special occasion, one fortunate customer would receive their book order personally wrapped by the Queen. Camilla actively assisted two full-time packers in the packing room, where she was registered on the staff rota as “CR” with a crown symbol beside her initials. The designation was prominently displayed on the packing room door.
Among her packing duties, Camilla carefully folded the brown paper covering for Catherine Ostler’s novel The Renoir Girls before securing it with a decorative blue ribbon. She was also presented with an impressive world map adorned with blue and yellow flags representing subscribers from more than 80 nations worldwide.
After touring the establishment’s four principal rooms, Camilla unveiled a commemorative plaque that officially renamed one of the spaces “Queen’s Room.” This gesture honored her connection to the historic shop, which has deep roots in her family history. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, was not only an avid reader who wrote extensively about military history and published his war memoirs but also a loyal Heywood Hill customer. Chief executive Nicky Dunne reminded the Queen of this connection, asking whether she had visited as a child. Camilla confirmed: “I’m sure I did come here when I was much, much smaller.”
A Public Reception
While the Queen conducted her activities inside the shop, a crowd of enthusiastic onlookers gathered outside with cameras prepared to capture the moment. Accompanied by Mr. Dunne, she exited through the front door and crossed the zebra crossing to reach Shepherd Market, where she was warmly greeted by local business owners and traders in the upmarket backstreet.
