Queen Camilla met with author J.K. Rowling at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh to discuss the importance of children’s access to books. The royal family’s official social media post emphasized their shared commitment to promoting reading for pleasure and its role in shaping future generations.
The meeting occurred during a week of royal engagements in Scotland, where King Charles was greeted with musical performances, including renditions of 'I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)' and 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.' Around 200 guests, including community workers and charity supporters, attended a garden party at the palace.
Teenager Isla Grist, who suffers from the rare skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), met the King and Queen at the event. She was accompanied by her mother and former Scotland footballer Graeme Souness, who is involved with the EB charity DEBRA.
The meeting between Camilla and Rowling has drawn criticism from some who oppose Rowling’s public statements on gender identity. In 2020, Rowling wrote an essay defending her views on biological sex, which sparked controversy within the transgender community. Critics argue that the royal family’s platforming of Rowling during Pride Month is inappropriate.