Queen Camilla delights children with surprise Gruffalo appearance

Queen Camilla stepped into the "deep dark wood" for a special storytelling session in Liverpool.

On September 4, the National Literacy Trust’s Instagram handle shared a glimpse into Queen Camilla’s notable storytelling visit to Speke Hall in Liverpool, England.

In one of the pictures, Her Majesty can be seen standing alongside a group of children and a Gruffalo character; however, the caption of the post read, “A trip into the deep dark wood… to celebrate the joy of sharing stories in the National Year of Reading 2026, with our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen.”

It continued, “At @ntspekehall in Liverpool, Her Majesty joined the author of The Gruffalo, Dame Julia Donaldson, and illustrator Axel Scheffler, who brought the tale to life for local families at a special storytelling session. There was also a surprise visit from the Gruffalo himself!”

“Every child went home with a copy of The Gruffalo or The Gruffalo’s Child, generously donated by Macmillan Children’s Books (@macmillankidsuk).”

“The visit celebrated the National Literacy Trust’s Early Words Matter programme, which helps young children build the language, literacy, and communication skills that are so important for their future,” the caption further read.

It is worth noting here that Queen Camilla has served as a patron of the National Literacy Trust since 2010; she was the Duchess of Cornwall at the time.