Queen Camilla Welcomes Gisèle Pelicot for Tea and Says She Was 'Shocked' by Her Case
Queen Camilla Welcomes Gisèle Pelicot for Tea and Says She Was 'Shocked' by Her Case
Janine HenniTue, February 24, 2026 at 2:49 PM UTC
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Queen Camilla meets Gisele Pelicot at Clarence House in London on Feb. 23, 2026
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Queen Camilla met with Gisèle Pelicot at her Clarence House home on Feb. 23
The Queen told the French rape survivor that she closely followed her case
Queen Camilla said she read Pelicot's new memoir, Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides, in just two days
Queen Camilla invited Gisèle Pelicot for tea at her London home and said she was left "speechless" by the atrocities the French rape survivor experienced.
On Feb. 23, the Queen, 78, opened up in conversation with Pelicot, 73, at Clarence House, the royal residence in London that she shares with King Charles.
"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," Queen Camilla told Pelicot, the BBC reported.
The Queen — who has made supporting survivors of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence a priority of her royal work — added that she finished reading Pelicot's new memoir, Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides, in just two days.
Queen Camilla and Gisele Pelicot on Feb. 23, 2026.
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In November 2020, Pelicot learned that her husband of nearly 50 years had been drugging her at night for over a decade and invited more then 50 men into their home to rape her.
The retiree and grandmother waived her right to anonymity when the trial began in September 2024 and became a hero to victims of sexual violence around the world. All 51 men charged with raping her were convicted in 2024, and her husband is currently serving a 20-year sentence.
Pelicot exclusively told PEOPLE that she’s come to peace with the past as she builds a bright future.
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“You can't forget. The scar is there, and it may never fully heal,” said Pelicot, who was awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian award, in 2025. “But I’ve always been a very optimistic woman. I wanted to take all of that mud and bring color back into my life.”
Queen Camilla, guest and Gisele Pelicot on Feb. 23, 2026.
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Pelicot brought her literary team, legal team and partner, Jean-Loup, to tea with the Queen on Monday, the BBC reported, and Queen Camilla first addressed them in French, before switching to an interpreter.
Global icon Pelicot said she received "incredible strength" from the public after sharing her story, which Queen Camilla underscored by agreeing, "You have so much support."
Queen Camilla, Gisele Pelicot and Jean-Loup Agopoian on Feb. 23, 2026.
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The Queen personally wrote to Pelicot last year to commend her for her "extraordinary dignity and courage, emphasizing that she had inspired women everywhere and "created a powerful legacy that will change the narrative around shame, forever," the outlet said.
Pelicot said she was "overwhelmed" by the letter and had it framed in her office.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
