Queen Camilla ignited anger for posting an Instagram pic with J.K. Rowling — given the timing and the author’s controversial trans views.
Taking to Instagram Tuesday, the wife of King Charles III shared a picture of herself and the “Harry Potter” author posing together at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.
Camilla, 78, dressed in an all-blue outfit and stood side by side with Rowling, 60, who wore a white blazer over a navy blue blouse and trousers. The queen noted that the two had a “shared passion for books” and a “deep commitment” to children reading for pleasure.
“Her Majesty and Ms 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 caption read in part.
Critics took to the comments section to call out Camilla for posting a pic with Rowling during Pride Month — an observance every June to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community — given Rowling’s public anti-trans views.
“As an admirer of the Queen and her Reading Room I’m deeply disappointed in her giving a platform to JKR, any month but especially during Pride Month,” one person wrote. “There are many other admirable individuals to spotlight who champion reading for children and young people.”
Another user commented, “During pride month, is a statement.”
“trans rights are human rights 🏳️⚧️❤️,” multiple others wrote.
One Instagram user even called the royal “deplorable.”
“AND During pride month no less 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 I stand with the LGBTQI+ community ✊🏼,” the user continued.
However, some defended Rowling, noting that she was entitled to her own opinions.
“There is a clear double standard when people with large platforms say things you agree with and are celebrated for it, but someone who expresses a different opinion is condemned and attacked,” one person argued in the comments section. “That kind of inconsistency comes across as biased.”
In October 2023, Rowling shared a photo on social media reading, “Repeat after us: Trans women are women,” with the caption, “No.” She said she would willingly go to jail for her views.
“I’ll happily do two years if the alternative is compelled speech and forced denial of the reality and importance of sex,” Rowling wrote.
The author has continued to speak out on trans rights, creating a rift between major “Harry Potter” stars like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who have publicly denounced her views.
Last May, Rowling hit back in a scathing essay when multiple “Harry Potter” actors signed a pro-trans open letter after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the terms “woman” and “sex” refer strictly to a biological woman and biological sex.
She described the actors — among them being Eddie Redmayne, Paapa Essiedu and Katie Leung — as “back-stabbing colleagues” who she said are “motivated by fear.”
Actor John Lithgow — who’s playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” HBO reboot — admitted in April that he was urged to stay away from the show due to Rowling’s controversial views, but ultimately decided not to.
“I do disagree with much of it. Much of it, I think, has been twisted and represented, and she has sort of doubled down on it at her own cost,” he told the New Yorker Radio Hour.
“I just felt the reasons to do it were much, much stronger than the reasons to protest against what Rowling has done and said.”
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