JK Rowling with Queen Camilla at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh (Getty Images)
The British Royal Family has faced backlash after sharing a photo of Queen Camilla hosting Harry Potter author JK Rowling on the final day of Pride Month.
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The Royal Family’s official Instagram account posted an image of the pair meeting this week at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
The account said the meeting was held “with a shared passion for books and a deep commitment to children reading for pleasure”, adding that the Queen and Rowling had “discussed the importance of ensuring that young people have access to books”.
Many took issue with the framing. “All young people? Or only some young people?” one wrote, alongside a series of transgender flag emojis.
Another commenter pointed out: “There’s a lot of other children’s authors (who have published kids books more recently than 20 years ago) that you could have worked with on this.” Another added: “During Pride month, is a statement.”
One user said they were “deeply disappointed” in the Queen “giving a platform to JKR, any month but especially during Pride Month. There are many other admirable individuals to spotlight who champion reading for children and young people.”
Some defended Rowling, with one writing: “If anyone deserves a DBE it’s Jo Rowling… she is such a supporter of women’s rights.”
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.