Queen Camilla 'twisted arms' to revive cause she deeply cares about

531     0
Camilla "twisted arms" to revive cause she is passionate about (Image: PA)
Camilla "twisted arms" to revive cause she is passionate about (Image: PA)

There are a few causes that Queen Camilla is known to be incredibly passionate about, and when it came to one of her passion projects, the royal recently showed herself willing to use her influence and "twist arms" to ensure that work in this area was revamped after it was discontinued in 2020.

The cause in question was the 500 Words competition run by the BBC which works to champion a love of literature in children aged 5-11, by encouraging them to write their own stories to be judged, and after a three-year break, it is reportedly down to Queen Camilla that the BBC rejuvenated the competition.

The i newspaper reports that the Queen was the one who first broached the idea of bringing it back - with the backing of Chris Evans, the former BBC radio DJ who launched the competition back in 2011. A source told the outlet: "The Queen initiated contact with the BBC, and Director-General Tim Davie put the full weight of the BBC behind reviving the competition, moving it from radio to TV and exposure on The One Show and BBC Breakfast."

Queen Camilla 'twisted arms' to revive cause she deeply cares about eiqrtiqzihzinvCamilla hosted the award ceremony (PA)

This year there were six winners chosen from 44,000 entries across two age categories, and the winning stories were read out by celebrities like Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Bonneville, and this was then broadcast on CBBC.

The i report that one of the judges also noted Camilla's influence in bringing back the literary competition for children, with Charlie Higson saying: "She's been a huge supporter of this, really keen on promoting literacy. And it was really down to her that the competition came back, she twisted a few arms and said 'Look, this is a really good thing, you've got to carry on.'"

Strictly's Molly Rainford and Tyler West fuel romance rumours while on tourStrictly's Molly Rainford and Tyler West fuel romance rumours while on tour

The Queen seemed to acknowledge her role in revamping the competition when she said to one of the celebrity readers, Tom Hiddleston, "I never ever thought we were going to bring it back again, but the very kind people at the BBC did listen, thought it was a good idea and here we are."

Queen Camilla 'twisted arms' to revive cause she deeply cares aboutCamilla chatted with Tom Hiddleston at the 500 words reception (Getty Images)

Queen Camilla said at the final: "In the three years that we have been without this wonderful competition, I think we have realised how much we have missed it. Over the years, it has actually turned into half a billion words that have been written, typed, scribbled, and tumbled onto thousands of pages by children across the UK, read by an army of volunteers, and then sent to Oxford University Press to form the biggest collection of children’s writing in the world.

"That means that between you, you have created more than a million stories of thought-provoking adventure for future generations to study and enjoy. Thank you to everybody who has taken part in 500 Words – it is a huge pleasure to have you back."

Do you have a story to tell? Email: [email protected]

Emma Mackenzie

Queen Camilla, Adoption, Royal Family, The One Show, BBC Breakfast, Oxford University Press Inc., CBBC Channel, Chris Evans, Thomas William Hiddleston, Charlie Higson, Hugh Bonneville

Read more similar news:

19.01.2023, 21:33 • More
Love Island viewers all say the same thing as Ian Stirling shades Will Young
24.01.2023, 00:32 • News
Love Island's Iain Stirling gushes over 'dream job' he landed after CBBC gig
06.03.2023, 20:02 • More
Wheelchair racer Abby delighted to be unveiled as Blue Peter's 42nd presenter
28.03.2023, 08:47 • News
CBBC's Jade Alleyne pregnant with first child as she shares news in sweet post
04.04.2023, 15:55 • News
A Kind of Spark reception shows importance of authentic disabled representation
13.04.2023, 12:19 • News
Tracy Beaker star pregnant as she cradles blossoming bump in sweet announcement
01.05.2023, 06:43 • More
Iconic 90s BBC kids show created by Sir Tony Robinson set for dazzling return
09.05.2023, 08:14 • News
The Demon Headmaster star Terrence Hardiman dies as tributes pour in
22.05.2023, 16:26 • News
CBBC star speaks out on terrifying diagnosis that left 'lungs encased in cement'
04.06.2023, 15:00 • More
Ups and downs of 2022 Britain's Got Talent winner in the year after show triumph