500 Words comes to Windsor Castle!

BBC’s 500 Words is the UK’s most prestigious children’s writing competition, proudly hosted by The Queen. Supported by BBC Bitesize and The One Show, the competition invites children of all abilities from across the United Kingdom to write a story they would love to read, in no more than 500 words. The focus is on creativity and imagination, free from the pressure of perfect spelling, grammar, or punctuation. 

Last week, the 50 finalists came together for a special reception at Windsor Castle with Her Majesty.

Following the recording of the Grand Final in the Waterloo Chamber of Windsor Castle, The Queen hosted a reception in St George’s Hall. 

The reception included winners and celebrity readers; Joanna Page, Paterson Joseph, Big Zuu, Sara Cox, Bradley and Barney Walsh and Jodie Whittaker. 

Her Majesty also met judges Rose Ayling‑Ellis, Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Cottrell‑Boyce, Francesca Simon, Charlie Higson and Malorie Blackman. 

There was also the opportunity for The Queen to meet Paddington Bear and Marisha Wallace, who both performed during the Grand Final.

Items from the Royal Library were also on display for guests to enjoy, including copies of Paddington and Winnie-the-Pooh cared for by the Royal Library. 2026 marks 100 years since the publication of A. A. Milne's first collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

The final was televised during a special 45-minute episode on BBC’s The One Show at 1900hrs on 6th March. Watch the show and hear the winning stories on BBC iPlayer.