Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron Celebrate Literary Excellence
On December 4, 2024, Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom and Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, reunited in London to present the inaugural Prix de l'Entente littéraire. This Franco-British literary prize, which honors works in both French and English, was established during King Charles III's state visit to France in September 2023. The award aims to promote literary exchange and celebrate the longstanding friendship between the two nations, rooted in the historical Entente Cordiale agreement signed in 1904.
The ceremony took place at the House of the French Ambassador, where the two women greeted each other warmly, exchanging kisses and engaging in a private conversation for over 15 minutes. Brigitte Macron presented Queen Camilla with a book about the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, reflecting their shared passion for literature. During the event, the award was presented to British novelist Manon Steffan Ros and French translator Lise Garond for their collaborative work, 'Le Livre Bleu de Nebo' (The Blue Book of Nebo), aimed at young adults.
Health Concerns Amidst Celebrations
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Queen Camilla's health was a concern as she has been recovering from a viral pneumonia that has affected her public engagements since late October. She expressed feeling
tired
but was determined to attend the event due to her love for reading. The gathering highlighted not only the literary achievements of the award winners but also the enduring friendship between France and the UK, which has been tested through various political climates over the years. Both leaders emphasized the importance of literature in bridging cultural divides, with Brigitte Macron stating, “Never a day without reading. Never,” underscoring her and President Macron's commitment to daily reading.