12 Camilla Parker Bowles Quotes About Family, Books and More

Camilla Parker Bowles has stood alongside her husband, King Charles III, for countless public engagements, but there’s more to the royal than meets the eye. For one, she serves as patron of several charities and organizations, and she’s been outspoken about her passion for literature. Plus, the Queen Consort has been settling into her new role with ease, having successfully hosted her first guest at Buckingham Palace.

So, to honor the 75-year-old royal, we’re rounding up some of her best sayings about books, family and more. Keep reading for the best Camilla Parker Bowles quotes.

1. “You know, the nice thing about being a grandmother is that you can spoil them occasionally, give them more of the things that their parents forbid them to have.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

2. “Poetry is like time travel, and poems take us to the heart of the matter.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

3. “What I have learned from my travels is that, by listening at least as much as we speak and by trying to understand before we act, we perhaps stand a better chance of coming up with the right answers.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

4. “Reading is exciting. Reading is fun. Reading is cool. There is nothing quite like the thrill of opening a book and being drawn into another world to meet new people and to discover their stories—it’s like making new friends.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

5. “​​I just feel very strongly that all children should be taught to read and getting access to books is crucial for that.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

6. “I was scrutinized for such a long time that you just have to find a way to live with it. Nobody likes to be looked at all the time and, you know, criticized. But I think in the end, I sort of rise above it and get on with it.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

7. “There are lots of things I do feel strongly about, but if I speak about them, I will be on my best behavior.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

8. “We learn from very young people, and they learn from us, too. That’s the way it’s always been.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

9. “Being a friendly neighbor has always been the keystone of community life and just saying ‘hello’ can sometimes make a huge difference.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

10. “It would be my idea of heaven, in the quiet of the countryside, where you can generally relax and properly think.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

11. “In a world where so many things have changed for the better, there are, sadly, still many vulnerable, forgotten and neglected children. Each one of them has a unique story.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

12. “Who wants to be 75, really, but there’s nothing we can do about it.” — Camilla Parker Bowles

Camilla Parker Bowles Will No Longer Have to Curtsey to Other Family Members as Queen Consort