She was an avid reader. Of course, there were fewer books then

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett.  A delightful and subtly clever humorous piece.  The basis of the story is the supposition of what would happen if late in life Queen Elizabeth had become an enthusiastic reader.  Charming. 

He explained the problem.

'Reading?' said Sir Claude. 'No harm in that, surely? Her Majesty takes after her namesake, the first Elizabeth. She was an avid reader. Of course, there were fewer books then. And Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, she liked a book. Queen Mary didn't, of course. Or George V. He was a great stamp collector. That's how I started, you know. Licking his hinges.'

Someone even older than Sir Claude brought out tea, which Sir Kevin prudently poured.

'Her Majesty is very fond of you, Sir Claude.'

'As I am of her,' said the old man. 'I have been in thrall to Her Majesty since she was a girl. All my life.'

And it had been a distinguished life, too, with a good war in which the young Pollington won several medals and commendations for bravery, serving finally on the general staff.'

'I've served three queens,' he was fond of saying, 'and got on with them all. The only queen I could never get on with was Field Marshal Montgomery.'