In a deeply moving gesture, Queen Camilla has written a personal letter to Gisele Pelicot, a French rape survivor, expressing her heartfelt admiration for the courage and dignity displayed throughout the harrowing legal proceedings against Pelicot's ex-husband. The Queen, a long-standing campaigner against domestic violence and sexual abuse, lauded Pelicot's extraordinary strength in the face of horrific crimes.
A Decade of Abuse and a Historic Trial
Gisele Pelicot, 73, was at the centre of the largest rape trial in French history. For nearly a decade, she was drugged unconscious by her husband, Dominique Pelicot, and raped by dozens of men he recruited via internet chat rooms. Her ex-husband was subsequently jailed for 20 years for these crimes, which included allowing other men to assault her while she was incapacitated.
The 15-week trial in Avignon concluded in December 2024, resulting in fifty men being found guilty of rape or sexual offences. Dominique Pelicot has also admitted to a 1999 attempted rape following a DNA match and is under investigation in connection with a 1991 murder, which he denies.
An Unwavering Stand for Justice
Emerging as a global icon of strength and feminism, Ms Pelicot drew daily crowds to the courtroom, where supporters gathered with signs to champion her courage and demand justice. She stated that their presence gave her strength as she endured what she described as humiliating and painful proceedings.
In a powerful interview with BBC Newsnight, Pelicot firmly rejected attempts by defence lawyers to characterise footage of the assaults as 'sex scenes'. 'A sex scene is when you consent,' she asserted. 'These were scenes of rape. They were crime scenes.'
Waiving Anonymity and Carrying Shame
Ms Pelicot waived her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual abuse, declaring that shame should fall on her abusers, not her. She revealed that she had carried shame for four years before deciding to oppose a closed trial and publicly reveal her identity.
In a moving exchange with Victoria Derbyshire, Pelicot described the 'inconceivable' shock of discovering that the man she loved was capable of such horrific crimes. She also expressed her profound reaction to receiving Queen Camilla's letter.
Queen Camilla's Heartfelt Words
The Queen wrote to Ms Pelicot: 'I very much wanted to write to express my heartfelt admiration for the courage, grace and dignity with which you have faced the horrific crimes committed against you.'
Speaking to Victoria Derbyshire, Ms Pelicot said: 'It was an honour for me to receive this letter, I wasn't expecting it at all. I was overwhelmed that the Queen could send me this letter. Although my words touched the whole world, I wasn't expecting a letter from the Court of England. I felt moved and very honoured that she had become aware of what had happened to me. I am grateful to her.'
Camilla's Dedication to Supporting Victims
Queen Camilla has dedicated significant royal charity work to supporting victims of sexual assault. Last year, she praised the 'brilliant' efforts of health workers and staff at a specialist Sexual Assault Referral Centre she officially opened in Exeter, where she heard firsthand from a survivor about the difference such facilities make.
Her advocacy includes championing the idea of washbags for those attacked, an initiative recently revived. In an ITV documentary last year, she vowed to 'keep trying' to end domestic violence until she is 'able to no more', highlighting her ongoing commitment to this critical cause.
This poignant exchange between Queen Camilla and Gisele Pelicot underscores the global resonance of Pelicot's bravery and the importance of continued efforts to combat sexual violence and support survivors.
