Queen describes reading charity's mission as more urgent than ever'

"From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging."

"The Queen has underscored the "more urgent than ever" mission of her charity, The Queen's Reading Room, as it marks its fifth anniversary, asserting that "books do make life better." Founded by Camilla during lockdown, the initiative has grown into a global charity, connecting over 186,000 book enthusiasts across more than 180 countries. Despite this reach, the King's consort voiced concern over plummeting global reading rates."

"In the UK, only one in two adults reads a book annually, with 46 per cent struggling to finish due to distractions. The charity's anniversary motto, 'Make Room for Reading,' encourages just five minutes of daily reading, akin to 10,000 steps or five portions of fruit and vegetables, aiming to 'light little fires' through small, positive changes. Neuroscience research highlights the immediate benefits of brief fiction reading: a nearly 20 per cent reduction in stress, 11 per cent improvement in concentration, and decreased loneliness."

The Independent funds on-the-ground reporters covering reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, producing investigations and documentaries while keeping reporting free to readers. The outlet solicits donations to sustain journalists, investigate financials such as Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC, and present balanced reporting without paywalls. The Queen's Reading Room promotes global reading through a five-year anniversary campaign, connecting over 186,000 participants across 180 countries. The campaign encourages five minutes of daily reading to counter declining reading rates, noting UK adult reading and neuroscience findings that brief fiction reduces stress, improves concentration, and lessens loneliness.

Read at www.independent.co.uk