Barking and Dagenham proudly welcomed Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla for a special visit that shone a national spotlight on the borough’s work to champion literacy, creativity and community wellbeing. The royal visit highlighted the strength of local partnerships, the borough’s emerging film sector, and the ambitious vision to make reading a daily habit for everyone.

Hosted at the Barking Learning Centre Community and Family Hub, Their Majesties met residents, volunteers, community groups and creative organisations who together are driving positive change across Barking and Dagenham. From reading and digital skills to arts, health and family support, the visit showcased how locally designed, community-led programmes are widening opportunities and improving quality of life for residents of all ages.

Celebrating local stories of creativity, opportunity and inspiration

The royal couple were introduced to a series of heartfelt and inspiring showcases reflecting the borough’s impact:

  • A young digital innovator, whose love of reading and technology inspired him to use AI tools to code a story based on a book he read. His project represents the borough’s commitment to blending literacy with digital creativity to prepare young people for the future.
  • A local author, who proudly shared her journey to publishing her first book through Pen to Print – Barking and Dagenham’s award‑winning writers’ development initiative. Pen to Print has enabled hundreds of aspiring writers from underrepresented backgrounds to find their voice, develop their craft and see their work in print.
  • Children’s activities led by a dedicated community volunteer, a father who once attended the very same sessions with his own children. His passion for giving back and fostering early literacy was supported through funding from the BBC, enabling him to expand activities and reach more families across the borough.

Each story highlighted how Barking and Dagenham’s libraries and community hubs empower residents to lead, create and shape services that respond to local needs.

A shared ambition: A borough that reads every day

The visit comes during the National Year of Reading 2026, an important milestone in the borough’s long-term mission to improve literacy levels and close inequalities.

Barking and Dagenham’s motto for the year – “To make Barking and Dagenham a place where everyone reads, every day, in every space.” – reflects a borough-wide commitment: schools, libraries, community groups, cultural partners and residents working together to build a reading culture that lasts for generations.

From doorstep reading campaigns and library outreach, to digital learning, intergenerational storytelling and creative programmes, the borough is using literacy as a tool to boost confidence, wellbeing and opportunity.

Visit our National Year of Reading 2026 webpage for more information: https://libraries.lbbd.gov.uk/digital-content/national-year-of-reading

A community proud and inspired

The presence of Their Majesties was warmly received by residents and volunteers who dedicate countless hours to supporting their neighbours. Their visit underscored the importance of local voices, grassroots leadership and collaborative partnerships at the heart of Barking and Dagenham’s transformation.

As the borough continues to grow its creative industries – including an expanding local film sector – and invest in community wellbeing and education, the royal visit marks a significant moment of recognition and pride.

Barking and Dagenham looks forward to building on this momentum throughout the National Year of Reading and beyond, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to read, learn, create and thrive.