A quiet meeting at Clarence House unfolded this week, a testament to extraordinary courage and a story that silenced even a seasoned royal. Queen Camilla, known for her work supporting survivors, found herself profoundly moved by the memoir of Gisele Pelicot, a French woman who publicly confronted unimaginable trauma.
Pelicot’s story exploded onto the global stage when she bravely waived her right to anonymity during the trial of her former husband, Dominique Pelicot. He was ultimately convicted of aggravated rape and sentenced to the maximum 20 years, a landmark victory fueled by her unwavering resolve.
The details of the case are harrowing. For nearly a decade, between 2011 and 2020, Pelicot was repeatedly drugged and sexually assaulted while unconscious – not just by her husband, but by a network of other men. The investigation uncovered a shocking web of abuse, leading to charges against fifty individuals.
The courtroom revealed the full extent of the horror. Forty-nine of those charged were found guilty of aggravated rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. One man was convicted of drugging and raping his own wife, alongside Dominique Pelicot, painting a picture of systemic and calculated cruelty.
During a private tea at Clarence House, Queen Camilla confessed to Pelicot that she was “speechless” after reading her memoir, “Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides.” Having encountered countless stories of survival, she admitted this case uniquely impacted her, leaving her deeply shaken.
Pelicot, accompanied by her partner, literary agent, and legal team, spoke of the incredible strength she’s drawn from the public’s response to her story. The Queen acknowledged this outpouring of support, recognizing the power of shared experience and collective empathy.
The Queen revealed she had devoured the book in just two days, unable to put it down. She also expressed awareness of Pelicot’s recent book tour, noting the standing ovations she received at sold-out events, including a reading at London’s Royal Festival Hall featuring Kate Winslet.
This meeting wasn’t a first acknowledgment of Pelicot’s bravery. Last year, Queen Camilla penned a letter praising Pelicot’s “extraordinary dignity and courage,” recognizing her as an inspiration to women worldwide and a catalyst for lasting change in how society views shame.
Pelicot’s story isn’t simply about surviving; it’s about reclaiming power and challenging the silence surrounding sexual violence. It’s a narrative that resonated deeply with the Queen, and continues to inspire a global conversation about accountability and healing.
