Queen Camilla met privately with Gisèle Pelicot, a French survivor of decades-long sexual abuse, at Clarence House on Monday. The meeting underscored the British royal family’s attempt to address the issue of sexual violence amid growing public scrutiny, particularly in the wake of the Andrew-Epstein scandal.
Pelicot’s Memoir and U.K. Tour
Pelicot, 73, is currently promoting her memoir, A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides, which details her horrific experience of being drugged and repeatedly raped by her ex-husband and his associates over nearly a decade. The book has gained international attention for its raw honesty and Pelicot’s refusal to carry the shame of her abusers.
Her recent U.K. tour culminated in a sold-out launch event at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Friday, featuring readings by actresses Kate Winslet, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Juliet Stevenson. The event drew over 2,000 attendees.
A Private Conversation with the Queen
During the 30-minute meeting, Queen Camilla spoke to Pelicot through an interpreter, opening with a self-deprecating joke about her long-ago French studies. She revealed she had read Pelicot’s memoir in just two days, stating she was “speechless” by the details of the case.
“I’ve met so many survivors of rape and sexual abuse I never thought I could be shocked by anything any more, but I was shocked at your case. It left me speechless,” Camilla reportedly said.
The Broader Context
The meeting comes at a critical time for the monarchy, which faces renewed criticism over its handling of sexual abuse allegations linked to Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein. By publicly engaging with Pelicot, Camilla signals a commitment to addressing violence against women and demonstrating moral leadership.
Pelicot’s case gained international prominence after she broke her anonymity and asserted that shame belongs with the perpetrators, not the victims. A landmark trial in Avignon, France, concluded in December 2024 with 50 men found guilty of rape or sexual offenses related to her abuse.
Pelicot expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received, to which Camilla replied: “you have so much support.”
The meeting between Queen Camilla and Gisèle Pelicot is a clear statement. It acknowledges the gravity of sexual violence, particularly when institutions have historically shielded perpetrators. It underscores the need for accountability and the empowerment of survivors.
