Duchess Camilla’s childhood hobby revealed as she prepares to launch her new project

The Reading Room's first season books will be revealed next week

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits Maggie's Barts at St Bartholomew's Hospital on October 07, 2020
(Image credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images)

Duchess Camilla revealed a childhood hobby she used to love during a recent interview with writer Charlie Mackesy ahead of the launch of her new Reading Room's first season. 

The Reading Room will help encourage book fans to discover new reads, and connect with literary communities across the globe. It’s set to unveil its Season One titles on 15 January. Already royal fans and book lovers alike are excited to see what literature-lover Duchess Camilla has picked. 

But whilst we have to wait a little longer to find out, a recent post on The Reading Room Instagram account provided another piece of surprising information. 

Duchess Camilla’s revealed one of her own much-loved childhood hobbies.

What was Duchess Camilla’s childhood hobby?

On The Reading Room Instagram account, there have already been a variety of posts ahead of the announcement of the Season One titles. Two of these posts feature insightful clips of Duchess Camilla in conversation with writer Charlie Mackesy. 

The talented author’s book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse was a special title HRH The Duchess of Cornwall shared in the very first post on the page.

This was followed by the first post featuring part of Duchess Camilla’s conversation with writer Charlie Mackesy about his wonderful book. It was in the second conversation clip posted to Instagram that Duchess Camilla then made a surprising revelation. 

The conversation clip opened with the Duchess telling Charlie Mackesy: “I’ve read it so many times. It’s an easy read, but it’s a deep read at the same time”.

Duchess Camilla then revealed: “I just love your drawings. I spent my whole life as a child doodling horses here, there and everywhere”.

Mr Mackesy replied: "Have you? Me too! That's what I always do."

The Duchess then compared hers to Mr Mackesy's saying: "I used to do it everywhere, but mine unfortunately haven't turned out like yours". 

How have people responded?

Responding to the Instagram post, many fans were quick to praise Duchess Camilla and Charlie Mackesy.

One wrote: ‘So natural. So much fun. Only like book lovers are 😍‘ 

Whilst another commented: ‘So lovely. Love The Duchess of Cornwall. ❤️❤️‘ 

And another wrote: ‘The best books are “an easy read but a deep read”! And I’d love to see the horse doodles from the Duchess of Cornwall as a child! ♥️ ‘ 

Image

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy

In this perfect book for uncertain times, readers will enter the world of Charlie's four unlikely friends and come to discover their most important life lessons. The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse are all beautifully brought to life in author Charlie Mackesy's drawings. In this bestselling title, they explore the feelings and thoughts that unite us all, all the while developing their friendship. 


As 15 January draws ever closer, royal fans will soon enjoy discovering the Duchess of Cornwall’s four chosen books for Season One of The Reading Room. They are due to be announced Friday 15 January at 11am.

You won’t want to miss it!

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!