The establishment of the Queen's Reading Room has ignited discussions among royal commentators, with some interpreting it as a subtle response to Prince Harry and Megan Markle.
This development follows the termination of the Sussexes' own Spotify deal, including the discontinuation of Megan's Archetypes podcast last year. Royal expert Denise Palama Davies suggested that Camilla's successful venture into podcasting, an area where Harry and Megan faced setbacks, could be perceived as a form of retaliation.
If Camilla's podcast thrives, it would mark a triumph in an area the Sussexes aspired to conquer, offering a sense of vindication.
Camilla, an avid reader, personally hosts the podcast, featuring notable guests like Joanna Lumley and Ian Rankin. Her online book club, initiated during lockdown, has gained significant attention, amassing over 167,000 followers on Instagram. While some speculate that revenge might be Camilla's motive, Jenny Bond, another royal commentator, dismissed this notion. Bond believes the Queen's primary goal is to share her love of reading and encourage others to embrace literature. Emphasizing Camilla's likability, caring nature, and dignified demeanor, Bond predicts the undoubted success of the podcast.
Despite not being a commercial venture, industry insiders suggest that Camilla's endorsement could substantially boost British industries, particularly in areas like fashion and lifestyle. Bond views the podcast as a charitable endeavor reflecting Camilla's modern and comfortable embrace of platforms like Instagram and podcasts. Regarding Megan Markle, Bond speculates that she might harbor a degree of envy toward Camilla's success, given how effortlessly Camilla has adapted to royal life and excelled in her role. Unlike Megan, Camilla is not driven by commercial interests but by a genuine passion for literacy.
Camilla's appearance in the first episode of the Queen's Reading Room podcast coincided with the four-year anniversary of Prince Harry and Megan Markle stepping back from official royal duties. Some question the timing, attributing it to the ongoing discourse around Harry and Megan's post-royal life. Russell Myers, Daily Mirror Royal editor, noted the contrast between Spotify's abrupt termination of Megan's podcast and Camilla's podcast, which appeals to a broader audience, being less divisive and more inclusive.
