The Queen and author J.K. Rowling met at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh to discuss their shared commitment to promoting literacy among children. The meeting, held on June 30, focused on the importance of ensuring young people have access to books and encouraging reading for pleasure.
This gathering marks a continuation of the relationship between the two, who previously met in 2011 at Holyroodhouse to explore ways to inspire children to engage with reading. Both have been recognized for their contributions to literature and literacy advocacy. Rowling was awarded an OBE in 2001 and made a Companion of Honour in 2017 but has declined further honours such as a peerage or damehood. The Queen, an avid reader herself, has long championed literacy initiatives through her charity, The Queen’s Reading Room.
The author’s work, including the widely popular “Harry Potter” series and her crime fiction penned under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, has been credited with fostering a generation of young readers. The National Literacy Trust has named Rowling a literary hero for her impact. Members of the royal family, including King Charles III, have expressed fondness for the series, with Camilla noting that the King enjoys reading the books aloud to their grandchildren, adopting different voices for various characters.
Camilla, who hosted Rowling during the visit, squeezed in the meeting amid a busy day of royal engagements, including visits to the Royal Scottish Academy and attendance at a garden party with the King, the Princess Royal, and the Duke of Edinburgh.
No further details were disclosed by Buckingham Palace about the conversation. However, the monarchy’s official social media highlighted the mutual enthusiasm the Queen and Rowling share for books and their commitment to fostering a love of reading among young people, emphasizing reading as a key tool in opening opportunities for future generations.