Queen Camilla visits Liverpool library destroyed in riots as she hails its ‘rise from the ashes’

The facility, which was razed during the violent disorder that swept through the city in August 2024, has been rebuilt and reopened its doors to the public.

The rioters' arson attack two years ago left the building with severe fire damage, compounded by substantial water damage caused during the emergency response.

Restoration took approximately four months, with the local council, emergency services, and partner organisations rallying together to rebuild what had long served as a vital neighbourhood institution.

The destruction of the library sparked widespread public fury and an outpouring of national solidarity. Queen Camilla herself had written to Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram in 2024, donating nearly 70 books to help replenish the devastated collection.

Mayor Rotheram said at the time: "I'd like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Queen Camilla for her thoughtful letter and gift of books which give a much-needed boost for the people of the city region at a very difficult time."

Contributions also arrived from prominent literary and public figures, among them Waterstones Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Nigella Lawson. A crowdfunding effort organised by Alex McCormick through GoFundMe generated a remarkable £250,000 to support the library's reconstruction.

Queen Camilla travelled to Liverpool today to visit the newly restored Spellow Hub Community Library on County Road in Walton following devastating riots

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During her time at the library this afternoon, Her Majesty took part in a colouring session alongside pupils from St Francis de Sales Catholic School.

She also met young members of the facility's Chess Club, with one pupil inviting the Queen to join a game, while a young boy presented her with his favourite Roald Dahl book.

Beyond the lighter moments, the Queen heard accounts from staff members and first responders who dealt with the immediate aftermath of the devastating attack. In the days following the arson, community volunteers had worked alongside council workers to clean up and secure the site.

During her time at the library this afternoon, Her Majesty took part in a colouring session alongside pupils from St Francis de Sales Catholic School

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Her Majesty also listened to a specially composed poem about the hub, penned by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Before departing, Queen Camilla unveiled a commemorative plaque inside the library, declaring: "It's amazing to see this place rise from the ashes."

Children bid Her Majesty farewell by presenting her with flowers and a book as she left the building.

The facility, which was razed during the violent disorder that swept through the city in August 2024, has been rebuilt and reopened its doors to the public

PA

Following her library visit, the Queen travelled to Speke Hall, part of the National Literacy Trust, of which she is patron, where she met children who had benefited from the Trust's work.

It capped off a busy return to work for the Queen. The 79-year-old visited the Royal Academy of Dance on Wednesday, before the King and Queen viewed the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and his wife Marie-France Van-Heel.

Then, on Thursday, Her Majesty visited Ebony Horse Club in Brixton to celebrate three decades of the beloved youth charity and community riding centre, and later took to the stage at the Royal Festival Hall for an unannounced appearance at the annual Letters Live event.