Queen Camilla, wife to King Charles, has drawn criticism from transgender activists after Buckingham Palace shared photographs of her meeting with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling during Pride Month. The meeting took place Tuesday at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, where the pair discussed promoting literacy and encouraging young people to read.
According to the Royal Family, the Queen and Rowling spoke about "the importance of ensuring that young people have access to books" and the role reading plays in opening opportunities for future generations.The Reading Room initiative has made children's literacy one of Queen Camilla's signature causes, while Rowling remains one of the world's most successful authors, with the Harry Potter series having sold more than 600 million copies worldwide.
Despite the meeting's focus on reading, the palace's Instagram post quickly attracted criticism because it was published during Pride Month, with some users accusing the Royal Family of endorsing Rowling's views on gender identity. One commenter wrote they were "deeply disappointed" the Queen had given Rowling a platform "especially during Pride Month," while others filled the comments section with pro-trans slogans. Another described the decision as "deplorable."
Rowling has spent years at the center of Britain's debate over gender identity after arguing that biological sex should remain the basis for laws governing women's spaces and protections. Her fierce defence of women's rights have often sparked death threats and online abuse. She has also faced criticism from left-wing activists, including former Harry Potter star, Emma Watson.
“I wasn’t a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous,” Rowling responded last year. “I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women’s rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges.”
Rowling has said unequivocally that men are not women and no amount of fashion or medicine can turn them into one. For this, she has been subjected to rape and death threats. Trans activists have also attempted to get her books banned, but they are too well-loved by readers who refuse to give them up.
The palace has not responded to the online criticism.
