The British royal family has found itself in the middle of a heated debate after its social media account shared a photo of Queen Camilla with author J.K. Rowling.
The best-selling writer, who created the hugely popular Harry Potter series, was hosted in Scotland by the queen, supporting her initiative to get more children reading.
Queen Camilla met with author J.K. Rowling at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, sparking a heated debate among some on social media. Jane Barlow/PA via AP
The queen and Rowling discussed their “shared passion for books” during the meeting at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, marking the start of Royal Week − also known as Holyrood Week − which takes place in the Scottish capital every July.
In a statement published on social media, the royal family said Queen Camilla and Rowling “had a deep commitment to children reading for pleasure”.
“Her Majesty and Ms Rowling discussed the importance of ensuring that young people have access to books and the vital part reading plays in opening doors for future generations.”
But within minutes of the photo being posted, some comments criticised Queen Camilla, and the royal family, for giving Rowling a platform during Pride Month while others voiced their support.
Rowling wrote part of the Harry Potter books at the Elephant House café in Edinburgh.
But more recently, she has been embroiled in a long-running row over gender identification policies in the UK after speaking out in support of women’s rights.
Her views are divisive and in 2022, Rowling was excluded from a Platinum Jubilee reading list because of the transgender row.
“As an admirer of the Queen and her Reading Room I’m deeply disappointed in her giving a platform to JKR, any month but especially during Pride Month,” one commenter said.
Queen Camilla was later by the king’s side at a garden party where she wore the heirloom Diamond Thistle Brooch, a jewel with deep ties to Scotland. Steve Welsh – WPA Pool/Getty Images
“There are many other admirable individuals to spotlight who champion reading for children and young people.”
Another added: “J.K. Rowling is just as entitled to her opinion as anyone else… There is a clear double standard when people with large platforms say things you agree with and are celebrated for it, but someone who expresses a different opinion is condemned and attacked.”
While another said, alongside the Pride Month flag emoji: “All young people? Or only some young people?”
Another commentator posted: “If anyone deserves a DBE [a dame hood] it’s JK Rowling. She encouraged a whole new generation of children to read again, and she is such a supporters of women’s rights”.
Someone else said: “She might have held different views on transgender issues, but her story and legacy remain; she has inspired millions of people around the world to write and read, finding comfort in them.”
Rowling and Queen Camilla have met several times and in 2011, during a previous visit to Scotland, the women were said to have discussed ways to combine efforts to encourage children to read.
The Harry Potter books are beloved by several members of the royal family and Camilla previously said her five grandchildren were left “spellbound” when King Charles read them aloud.
King Charles was joined by Queen Camilla, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal for a garden party in Scotland. Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images
“He does all the voices, because he is a brilliant mimic,” she once said.
Speaking on the queen’s Reading Room podcast in 2023, Camilla said of the books: “I think the one I enjoyed reading more than anything else was Harry Potter… all the stories.”
Queen Camilla has long been a champion of reading and literature and during coronavirus lockdowns launched an online book club, which evolved into the hugely popular The Queen’s Reading Room.
The king was officially welcomed to Scotland during the Ceremony of the Keys at The Palace Of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
She and King Charles will remain in Scotland for the week, carrying out engagements celebrating local culture, community and achievements.
The monarch was officially welcomed to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the royal family’s official residence in Edinburgh, on Tuesday.
The welcome ceremony, known as the Ceremony of the Keys, took place outside the gates of the palace where King Charles was greeted by a guard of honour provided by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
King Charles received a royal salute before inspecting a guard of honour of soldiers from the Royal Company of Archers, who serve as the monarch’s ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland.
His Majesty also held an investiture ceremony and garden party at the palace, alongside Queen Camilla, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal.
Queen Camilla wore the historic Diamond Thistle Brooch, presented to Queen Mary in the 1930s and regularly worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II during events in Scotland. The large jewel features a diamond thistle, the national flower and floral emblem of Scotland.