Following the resounding achievement of Queen Camilla’s podcast, The Queen’s Reading Room, the show is set to make a grand return with a captivating live event this summer. This news has ignited a stir among royal watchers, particularly in light of previous tensions between Camilla and Meghan Markle, whose own Spotify podcast was discontinued last year.
The Queen’s Reading Room Festival will make its triumphant return to Hampton Court Palace on June 8, 2024, in response to overwhelming public demand. The event promises to surpass its inaugural edition with an even more remarkable lineup of authors, industry experts, esteemed actors, and avid literature enthusiasts, all uniting to celebrate the power of the written word.
Ingrid Seward, the esteemed editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, shared her expert insights with Fabulous, emphasizing the unwavering success of Camilla’s podcast. Seward highlighted Camilla’s exceptional ability to attract renowned figures from the literary world and beyond, bolstering the podcast’s reputation and influence.
However, Seward also acknowledged the potential for renewed tensions with Meghan Markle, given the strained relationship between the two women. Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, was abruptly canceled along with her entire Spotify deal last year, fueling speculation and unease. King Charles’ son-in-law, Prince Harry, has been outspoken in his criticism of Camilla, labeling her as a “villain” and “dangerous” in his recently published memoir, Spare.
Denise Palmer Davies, a respected brand expert and director of Borne Media, believes that Camilla’s podcast success could be a form of retaliation against these hurtful remarks. Davies suggests that Meghan, in particular, may be deeply affected by Camilla’s triumph, especially considering the failure of her own podcast.
Camilla’s online book club, established during the Covid-19 lockdown, has garnered an impressive following on Instagram, boasting over 167,000 devoted members. Her podcast has featured captivating conversations with prominent figures such as Joanna Lumley, Ian Rankin, David Baddiel, and Elif Shafak.
The upcoming Queen’s Reading Room Festival promises an extraordinary lineup, including appearances by the beloved Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes, the enigmatic Helena Bonham Carter, renowned thriller writer Harlan Coben, and a captivating musical showcase inspired by the acclaimed movie “Operation Mincemeat.”
Despite the potential for conflict, Seward believes that Camilla will maintain her characteristic composure and diplomatic approach. She suggests that Camilla is unlikely to engage in public confrontations with the Sussexes, opting instead to focus on her own endeavors.
Queen Camilla’s successful podcast has not only captured the attention of the public but has also served as a catalyst for commentary and speculation. With the upcoming live event on the horizon, the stage is set for a captivating chapter in the ongoing royal narrative.