Queen Camilla has been embroiled in a scandal over her meeting with J.K. Rowling
Queen Camilla met with British author J.K. Rowling during Royal Week in Edinburgh. They discussed promoting reading among children, but the meeting itself drew criticism due to the “Harry Potter” author’s controversial remarks about transgender people.
On June 30, at Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh, Queen Camilla met with J.K. Rowling to mark the start of Royal Week.
During their conversation, the two discussed their shared love of books and the importance of reading for children.
Buckingham Palace stated: “Her Majesty and Ms. Rowling discussed the importance of ensuring young people have access to books and the vital role that reading plays in opening doors for future generations.”
Royal Week (Hollyrood Week) takes place annually in Scotland’s capital and is dedicated to Scottish culture, community, and achievements.
This year, King Charles III opened the program by participating in the traditional key-handing ceremony at his official residence. An awards ceremony and a garden party are also scheduled.
The meeting between Camilla and Rowling took place on the last day of Pride Month, which drew criticism from some members of the public.
In recent years, J.K. Rowling has repeatedly found herself at the center of public debate due to her comments about transgender people.
The first accusations of transphobia arose after the author liked a post in which transgender women were referred to as “men in dresses.” She later publicly supported Maya Forstater, whose contract was not renewed following her comments on gender identity.
Rowling’s post in June 2020 caused the biggest stir when she commented on an article about “people who menstruate”: “People who menstruate. I’m sure there used to be a special word for these people. Anyone, help me remember. Mens-people? Mens-folks?”
Following this remark, a massive debate erupted around the author, with actors Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson joining in.
With a shared passion for books and a deep commitment to children reading for pleasure, The Queen and author J.K. Rowling met at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Her Majesty and Ms. Rowling discussed the importance of ensuring that young people have access to… pic.twitter.com/Yx1Xy6olqC— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 30, 2026
Joanne Rowling later published a detailed essay in which she emphasized that she sympathizes with transgender women and wants them to be safe, but expressed concern about protecting the rights of biological women.
“I don’t want biological women to be any less safe,” she said.
The BBC reported on this.
Earlier, Queen Camilla attended a public event in London just a few hours after the arrest of her son-in-law, Prince Andrew. She attended a dinner concert by the Sinfonia Smith Square orchestra, where she met with the musicians and a group of schoolchildren who were also performing.
King Charles did not cut short his visit to London Fashion Week following his brother Andrew’s arrest.
As a reminder, former Prince Andrew is in custody over letters to Epstein—what happens next?
Reactions from U.S. lawmakers to Prince Andrew’s arrest.
Keir Starmer on Prince Andrew’s arrest: “The law is the same for everyone.”
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was detained on suspicion of abuse of office. Police are conducting searches at several addresses in the counties of Berkshire and Norfolk.
King Charles expressed “deep concern” over his brother’s arrest.
Nine British police forces are investigating Epstein’s ties to the country.
Additionally, former Prince Andrew returned the Order of St. Olav to Norway following his arrest.
King Charles III is prepared to cooperate with law enforcement in the case involving Prince Andrew and Epstein.
King Charles III’s brother left his residence following new revelations in the Epstein case.
