Queen Camilla, the Queen Consort, might be following in the footsteps of Meghan Markle by joining TikTok. While Markle has famously exited the royal family, Camilla seems set to take the platform by storm, potentially becoming the first royal to create a public account on the app.
The news comes from Vicki Perrin, the chief executive of The Queen's Reading Room charity, established by Camilla in January 2021. The charity, which focuses on promoting and celebrating reading, has seen its reach expand considerably thanks to Camilla's involvement. She has hosted interviews on her popular podcast, ‘The Queen's Reading Room,’ reaching an audience of 12 million people across 171 countries.
With the growing popularity of BookTok, Perrin hinted that Camilla might soon become a book influencer on the app. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Perrin said, "Never say never. I've been so pleased at seeing how BookTok has exploded."
She added, "To my mind, there’s nothing more important than trying to get the message across that books are for everyone. What’s so wonderful about BookTok is that you have people from all different walks of life saying, ‘This is a book that has moved me,' and that is so much more important than anything else."
While this is not a confirmation of Camilla's future presence on TikTok, Perrin's statements suggest that the charity is exploring the platform as a means to expand its reach and engage a younger audience.
Reaching A New Generation
Camilla's potential move to TikTok is seen as a strategic move to connect with a younger generation that is heavily engaged on social media. The platform is particularly popular among Gen Z, who have increasingly turned to BookTok to discover new authors and engage with their favorite books. By joining TikTok, Camilla and The Queen's Reading Room charity could tap into this growing trend and reach a wider audience.
The Future of the Monarchy
The potential for Camilla to become a book influencer on TikTok has sparked discussions about the evolving role of the monarchy in the digital age. The Royal Family has been increasingly active on social media platforms in recent years, seeking to connect with the public and promote their work. However, their presence on platforms like TikTok is still relatively limited.
Some experts believe that the monarchy needs to adapt to the changing media landscape and engage with audiences on platforms where they are most active. A move to TikTok by Queen Camilla could set a precedent for other members of the Royal Family to embrace social media more actively.
However, others argue that the monarchy should be cautious about its presence on platforms like TikTok, which are known for their rapidly evolving trends and potentially controversial content.
The Queen's Reading Room's Other Initiatives
While a TikTok account would mark a new foray for The Queen's Reading Room, the charity is already active across other social media platforms like Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. The charity also runs a podcast, which has hosted prominent figures like Dame Joanna Lumley and Richard E Grant, who discussed their favorite books with Camilla.
The charity's efforts extend beyond social media. In collaboration with researchers at Cambridge University, The Queen's Reading Room has been studying the impact of reading on the brain. Research has shown that reading for as little as five minutes can have a positive impact on mental health, equivalent to the benefits of walking 10,000 steps.
The Future of BookTok
The potential for Camilla to join BookTok has raised questions about the future of this growing trend. BookTok has been credited with boosting sales of many books, particularly those by lesser-known authors. It has also played a role in the resurgence of classic literature.
However, some critics have argued that BookTok can be a source of pressure for readers, who might feel compelled to read books that are trending or fear that their opinions will be judged by others.
Ultimately, whether Camilla joins BookTok or not, the trend is likely to continue. With its potential to connect readers with new authors and ideas, BookTok is poised to play a growing role in the world of literature in the years to come.
The Queen's Reading Room: A Legacy of Literacy
Camilla's vision for The Queen's Reading Room is to encourage a lifelong love of literature among people of all ages. The charity's work highlights the importance of reading not only for entertainment but also for its positive impact on mental health and well-being. If Camilla does decide to become a BookTok influencer, she would be using a platform known for its engagement and reach to bring her passion for reading to an even wider audience.
Regardless of whether she chooses to embrace the world of TikTok, Camilla's commitment to literacy and her work with The Queen's Reading Room have already made a significant impact. The charity's programs and initiatives are reaching millions across the globe, inspiring a new generation of readers and promoting the transformative power of books.
