Following the rise of “BookTok” – where books people love boom in popularity as they are shared on the app – the chief executive of The Queen’s Reading Room has hinted she may join the site.
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Queen Camilla could join TikTok and become a book influencer following the success of The Queen’s Reading RoomCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Camilla launched her Reading Room in 2021 and debuted her podcast this yearCredit: PA
Speaking to The Telegraph, Vicki Perrin said: “Never say never. I’ve been so pleased at seeing how BookTok has exploded.
“To my mind, there’s nothing more important than trying to get the message across that books are for everyone.”
She added: “For us it doesn’t matter what you read … I think BookTok has done such an amazing thing in breaking down some of those barriers, and whether we’ll end up there, who knows, watch this space.”
TRAILBLAZING QUEEN
If Queen Camilla, 77, does sign up soon she will be the first royal to join the social media platform, ahead of Meghan, Prince Harry, Prince William and Princess Kate.
This follows her launching her The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast, which ranked among the top 1 per cent in the world upon its launch, and hosting The Queen’s Reading Room Festival at Hampton Court Palace in June.
Royal author Phil Dampier told Fabulous: “It’d be amazing if Camilla did this.”
He added: “Obviously, Kensington Palace uses social media. William and Kate use social media, as do Harry and Meghan, but in terms of getting down with the kids on TikTok, this would be a first.
“There was some disappointment with Meghan’s podcast; she won an award for one, but then the whole thing was canned after one season.
“I believe they were labelled ‘grifters’ by one of the Spotify executives, so it didn’t really work out.
“We haven’t seen many podcasts from her since, as she’s focusing more on her American Riviera Orchard project with Netflix.
“But yes, it would be very funny if Camilla, at 77, became a TikTok sensation, outstripping the younger ones, including Meghan.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had their Spotify deal axed in 2023, after just one season of Meghan’s Archetypes podcast.
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Meghan’s podcast Archetypes saw her joined by guests like Serena Williams, Mariah Carey and Paris Hilton on the 12-episode seriesCredit: lemonadamedia.com
What is Queen Camilla’s podcast?
QUEEN Camilla launched her podcast in January and it’s already proving to be a big success.
The podcast, which currently has a five-star rating, is dominating Arts and Books categories.
The much-anticipated audio show follows Camilla’s popular The Queen’s Reading Room book club, which she launched during the pandemic.
Queen Camilla doesn’t host the podcast itself, but she does feature in each episode.
During the first episode, King Charles’ wife was asked: “Which book did you most enjoy reading to your grandchildren and did you do different voices for the characters?”
Camilla answered: “I think the one I enjoyed reading more than anything else was Harry Potter.
“I can’t mimic voices for love or money, I’m completely hopeless at it.
“I was a really bad actor at school and I’ve never been able to master the art of mimicry, but my husband, he can do all the voices.”
ROYAL PRIVACY
Phil claimed the royal family try to “control” what they put out on social media to the general public.
He explained: “The main thing is control. They like to have a sense of control over these things.
“You saw that with William and Kate’s recent video—it was poignant, glossy, nicely shot, and most people loved it.
“They like to be in charge of their image and the narrative they put out, and I think they’ll continue doing this.
“Kate, of course, has been taking her own photos of the family for years, so they’re controlling things that way.”
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If Camilla does join TikTok, she will be the first royal family member to do soCredit: Getty – Contributor
CAMILLA’S BOOK SUCCESS
Book lover Queen Camilla launched her Reading Room in January 2021 after posting recommending reading lists during lockdown.
Her podcast followed in January this year, with each episode featuring a segment from Camilla herself – along with interviews with famous guests who have included Joanna Lumley, Ian Rankin, David Baddiel and Elif Shafak.
Chief exec Vicki added: “We now reach about 12 million people in about 171 countries around the world.
“It’s been such a joy to see the appetite for the work we’re doing and to see people’s connection with reading and books”.
