World Book Day 2021

Published

This World Book Day, The Duchess of Cornwall has joined the National Literacy Trust and Oak National Academy to celebrate the wonderful world of books with authors Tom Fletcher, Zanib Mian and Katherine Rundell, as well as pupils from Acklam Whin Primary School in Middlesbrough.

A world without books is completely unimaginable.

- The Duchess of Cornwall on World Book Day 2021

Her Royal Highness launched the NLT and Oak National Academy's Virtual Library during a visit to Ivydale Primary School last September. Each week, a different children's author or illustrator takes on the role of 'school librarian' to share an exclusive video, a free ebook or audiobook, engaging activities and three recommended reads.

The platform has been provided free for all primary schools in the UK and more than a quarter of a million children have already accessed the site since it's launch.

Head to the Virtual School Library yourself to explore more! 

Related content

A Speech by The Queen at a Literary Reception to mark the fifth anniversary of Her Majesty's Reading Room

I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life...

25 March 2026
News

Royal Maundy 2026

02 April 2026
Royal Maundy 2026

The Queen's speech at a WOW reception to mark International Women's Day

Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.

10 March 2026
News

Commonwealth Day 2026

12 March 2026
Members of The Royal Family attend The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education
News

The King and Queen visit Dedham

12 February 2026
The King in Dedham

Speech delivered by The Queen during a visit to Maggie’s Cheltenham, to celebrate the charity’s 30th anniversary

I should like to end by expressing my heartfelt thanks to the whole Maggie’s community. To Maggie’s children, Lily and John, who have done so much to continue their mother’s...

21 January 2026

A message from The Queen to mark the 5th anniversary of The Queen's Reading Room

Reading truly changes how we perceive, how we think and how we connect.

08 January 2026
News

State Visit to the Holy See

23 October 2025
The King and Queen with Pope Leo
News

80th Anniversary of VJ Day

15 August 2025
VJ Day

Remarks by Her Majesty The Queen, Sponsor of HMS Astute, at a ceremony to mark the end of the submarine’s first commission, HMNB Devonport

Each time I have met your Commanding Officers and visited the submarine, I am reminded of the exceptional servicemen and women in our Royal Navy. Commanding Officers, the Ship...

17 July 2025
News

The Queen visits Devon

16 July 2025
The Queen in Devon
News

Holyrood Week 2025

02 July 2025
The KING