Queen Camilla recently met with Gisele Pelicot, a French woman who has bravely shared her harrowing experiences of abuse in her newly released memoir, "Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides." During their meeting at Clarence House, the Queen expressed that she was left "speechless" by Pelicot's account of nearly two decades of horrific abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, which included drugging and allowing others to rape her while unconscious. Pelicot's testimony highlights the long-lasting impact of domestic violence and the importance of sharing such stories in the public sphere.

The memoir launch took place at London's Royal Festival Hall and attracted significant attention, featuring readings from well-known actresses such as Kate Winslet and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas. This event highlighted not only Pelicot's resilience but also the larger movement towards awareness and support for survivors of sexual violence. The Queen's involvement and commendation of Pelicot's courage reflects a growing recognition from prominent figures toward the dignity of survivors and their contributions to changing societal narratives around abuse.

In her previous correspondence with Pelicot, the Queen praised her for her extraordinary dignity and courage, sentiments echoed during their recent meeting. Pelicot described receiving this letter as overwhelming, showcasing the impact of royal recognition on individual survivors. By bringing attention to Pelicot's story, the Queen not only honors her personal journey but also underscores a societal need to confront and address issues of sexual violence and support survivors in their healing processes.