Queen Camilla faces backlash after hosting J.K. Rowling as royal fans call her ‘out of touch’

Queen Camilla drew sharp criticism online after the royal family shared a photo of her meeting with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on June 30.

The royal family’s official X account said the pair discussed the importance of reading and ensuring young people had access to books. Within hours, however, the post sparked a wave of backlash, with critics calling the meeting insensitive.

Many social media users accused the royals of being tone-deaf for sharing the image on the final day of Pride Month, given Rowling’s long-running and controversial views on transgender issues.

The queen wore a baby blue collared dress for the audience, while Rowling appeared in a white blazer over a navy dress shirt and matching pants.

The caption stated that Camilla and 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.”

The post did not mention Rowling’s views on transgender rights, a topic that has followed the author for years and shaped much of the hate that follows her.

Broadcaster India Willoughby wrote that the photo showed the royal family standing alongside one of the world’s most prominent anti-trans voices, arguing it reflected how disconnected the monarchy had become.

“LGBT people — especially the trans community — are absolutely entitled to be disgusted by this photo,” she wrote. “Ludicrous to think Camilla or her advisors are not aware. They show zero respect to trans people – and revel in the cruelty.”

Since 2019, Rowling has repeatedly argued that biological sex and gender are intrinsically linked, saying the distinction is central to her advocacy for women’s rights.

Her comments have prompted public disagreements with several Harry Potter stars, including Daniel Radcliffe, who said “transgender women are women,” Emma Watson, who wrote that “trans people are who they say they are,” and Rupert Grint, who has publicly expressed support for the transgender community.

In April 2025, Rowling again faced backlash after posting a photo of herself smoking a cigar while celebrating the U.K. Supreme Court’s ruling that removed legal protections for transgender women under Britain’s Equality Act, regardless of whether they held a gender recognition certificate.

In posts shared that same month, she revealed that her husband, Neil Murray, jokingly referred to the decision as “TERF VE Day,” referencing the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

Buckingham Palace had not issued a public response to the criticism at the time of reporting.