Queen tells Gisèle Pelicot her new memoir left her 'speechless'

Queen Camilla recently expressed deep admiration for French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot after reading her memoir, “Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides,” which she completed in just two days. The Queen hosted Pelicot at her official London residence, Clarence House, where the 73-year-old author was promoting her new book. Pelicot’s courageous decision to renounce her anonymity and publicly confront the men who abused her has made her a symbol of resilience and feminism on a global scale.

During their meeting, the two women shared tea alongside Pelicot’s partner, Jean-Loup Agopian, as well as her literary and legal team. The Queen began the conversation in French, humorously remarking that she had forgotten the language after studying it six decades ago, before continuing with the help of an interpreter. Reflecting on Pelicot’s story, Queen Camilla stated, “I’ve met so many survivors of rape and sexual abuse. I never thought I could be shocked by anything anymore, but I was shocked at your case – it left me speechless.” Pelicot, in turn, spoke about the tremendous support she has received from the public since coming forward. The Queen acknowledged this, telling her, “You have so much support.”

This encounter followed the recent launch of Pelicot’s book at London’s Royal Festival Hall, an event that was attended by numerous notable figures including actresses Kate Winslet, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, and Juliet Stevenson, who performed readings. Last year, Queen Camilla had sent Pelicot a letter praising her “extraordinary dignity and courage.” In the letter, she commended Pelicot for inspiring women worldwide and for creating a lasting legacy that aims to alter societal perceptions of shame. The letter had a profound effect on Pelicot, who now keeps it framed in her office.

The details of Pelicot’s experience shocked many in 2024. During a high-profile court case, it emerged that her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, had drugged her unconscious over many years, orchestrating assaults by dozens of men he recruited online. The trial, which lasted 16 weeks, concluded with 46 men being convicted of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault. Dominique Pelicot received the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Pelicot’s bravery resonated deeply with the public, inspiring widespread support both in France and internationally. She frequently emphasizes the importance of shifting the stigma of shame from victims onto perpetrators—an idea powerfully echoed by supporters who gathered daily outside the courtroom demanding justice. Reflecting on her decision to waive her right to anonymity, Pelicot has said she never regretted making her story public

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