'The Book That Changed My Life' on BBC Two and iPlayer

Broadcasting in the National Year of Reading 2026, 'The Book That Changed My Life' documentary sees The Queen explore the transformative power of reading, meeting four remarkable people whose lives have been changed by books at moments when they most needed them. Warm, emotional, and full of hope, the film explores how reading can lift us, open our minds and, sometimes, change the course of a life.

At the release of the documentary, Her Majesty said:

It is my fondest hope that this film will build on that work, helping demonstrate to audiences around the world just what a difference reading has made to one particular group of people, each of whom has faced challenge or difficulty in their personal lives, and each of whom has been lifted up by the sheer joy and transformative power of reading. As you will hear, it is a journey that often starts with picking up Just One Book.

"The result is like a compendium of wonderful short stories – each very different in nature but all bound together by a common thread. I shan’t spoil the plot for you, but I hope it’s not giving too much away to say that it ends with one of the most unusual book club meetings I have ever attended – over a nice cup of tea, of course." 

"I only hope viewers will find the end result as powerful and compelling as I did." 

My thanks therefore go to all those involved in making this film, but most especially to those who opened their hearts and their homes to share the very personal experiences that lie at its heart.

The Queen’s Reading Room, founded by Her Majesty in 2021, is a charity working to restore reading to the heart of national life. At a time when only one in two UK adults reads a book each year, the organisation champions the proven benefits of reading for wellbeing, connection and creativity.

Its pioneering 2024 neuroscience study found that just five minutes of reading fiction can reduce stress by almost 20%, improve concentration and increase feelings of social connection. 

Through its global online book club reaching audiences in more than 180 countries, major literary festival and partnerships with organisations in the homelessness and domestic violence sectors, The Queen’s Reading Room brings books and shared reading experiences to communities across the UK and beyond - unlocking the joy and power of books for everyone, everywhere.

Driven by the belief that life is better when we make room for reading, The Queen’s Reading Room is building a cultural movement around books and storytelling in the UK and beyond.

Watch ‘The Book That Changed My Life’ on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, from 14th October 2026.