Hollywood star Sarah Jessica Parker received warm compliments from Queen Camilla when she visited Clarence House for a special reception honoring authors, judges, and supporters of this year’s prestigious Booker Prize.
Known to the world as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, Parker was one of five judges helping to select the winner.
“It’s one of your many hats,” the Queen told Parker, referencing her role as a literary judge.
Parker responded with a smile, “And the one I’m most proud of,” adding that it had been thrilling to work alongside a group she described as “extraordinary, smart and wise.”
A Year of Judging 153 Novels
Chairman Roddy Doyle, along with fellow judges Chris Power, Ayobami Adebayo, Kiley Reid, and Parker, spent the past year reviewing 153 novels.
Their careful deliberation led to the selection of David Szalay’s rags-to-riches novel, Flesh, which Doyle called “a dark book, but a joy to read.”
Camilla, who had previously met Szalay in 2016 when he was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, congratulated him warmly.
Szalay, who lives in Vienna, invited the Queen to visit, and called winning the prize “a slightly surreal experience” that carries enormous significance for any novelist.
Parker Reflects on Her Unique Experience
Parker, who also runs her own publishing imprint, shared her admiration for Flesh.
She explained how the novel’s subtle approach allowed readers to feel deep emotion for characters without over-explaining them, praising Szalay’s skill in crafting such an understated yet powerful story.
An avid reader since childhood, Parker joked that she had “raised her hand” to become a judge, only to be approached by the Booker Prize’s Chief Executive, Gaby Wood.
She recounted the sacrifices the role demanded: missing meals, skipping theater visits, and postponing movies, yet described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for a passionate reader.
Sharing a Passion for Literacy with the Queen
Parker expressed her admiration for the Queen’s dedication to literacy.
“I’m so appreciative of the attention she gives and focuses on reading and how it enriches lives,” Parker said.
Their shared passion for books was evident throughout the event.
Looking effortlessly chic, Parker embraced a vintage style reminiscent of her TV character, pairing a thrifted satin pleated A-line dress with a vintage 1980s Dior jacket, pink Rene Caovilla shoes, and a sparkling Sonia Rykiel “Domino” bag.
Honoring Other Literary Achievements
The reception also celebrated the other shortlisted novels, including Flashlight by Susan Choi, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai, Audition by Katie Kitamura, The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits, and The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller.
Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who chairs the inaugural Children’s Booker Prize set for February 2027, was also in attendance.
Queen Camilla, patron of numerous literacy charities, addressed the authors with heartfelt praise.
“It’s more important than ever to get people reading, especially children,” she said, emphasizing the power of literature to inspire and enrich lives worldwide.
Fostering a Love for Reading
The Booker Prize Foundation, a registered charity founded in 2002, aims to inspire readers and support writers of the future.
The new Children’s Booker Prize will celebrate contemporary fiction for children aged eight to twelve, highlighting books written or translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland.
Camilla concluded her remarks by encouraging writers to continue their work: “You set the most wonderful example of writing for all of us.
Please keep doing it because you give us so much pleasure, not just me, but readers around the world.”