Queen Camilla explores the life-changing power of books in new BBC Two documentary tonight

Queen Camilla explores how reading can transform lives in a powerful new documentary, The Book That Changed My Life, coming to BBC Two and BBC iPlayer tonight at 9pm.

Marking the National Year of Reading 2026, the warm and moving film sees the Queen meet four remarkable people to hear how books have shaped their lives, offered comfort during difficult times and opened up new possibilities.

Through their personal stories, the documentary celebrates the extraordinary power of reading to lift spirits, broaden horizons and, in some cases, change the course of a life.

The film also offers a more personal insight into the Queen’s own relationship with literature, as she reflects on the childhood experiences that first sparked her love of books and the comfort she continues to find in reading.

Among the memories she shares are recollections of her father, Major Bruce Shand, and his experiences as a prisoner of war during the Second World War. While held in a German prisoner-of-war camp, reading helped reinforce his lifelong enthusiasm for the written word – a passion he would later pass on to his daughter.

The Queen’s reflections provide a personal thread running through a documentary that explores the different ways books can become a source of companionship, resilience and inspiration. Alongside the stories of the four people she meets, her memories highlight how a love of reading can begin in childhood and remain a constant throughout life.

With its focus on real experiences and the emotional connections people form with books, The Book That Changed My Life aims to show that reading is about far more than simply turning pages. A single book can offer a new perspective, provide an escape from everyday pressures or help someone make sense of their own experiences.

The documentary forms part of the National Year of Reading 2026, a nationwide initiative celebrating the value of reading and encouraging people to discover the books that might make a difference to their lives.

The Book That Changed My Life is a 60-minute production by Blink Films for BBC Two and iPlayer, made in partnership with The Open University and in collaboration with The Queen’s Reading Room.

The programme was commissioned for BBC Arts by Suzy Klein, with Amanda Goodman serving as Commissioning Editor. Dan Chambers is the Executive Producer for Blink Films, and the film is directed by Toby Trackman, whose previous work includes the Royal Television Society award-winning BBC Arts documentary The Last Musician of Auschwitz.

The Book That Changed My Life airs tonight at 9pm on BBC Two and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

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