Gisèle Pelicot: Feminist Icon Meets Queen Camilla Amid Memoir Launch
London, 24 February 2026 – Gisèle Pelicot, the French survivor who became a global symbol of courage after waiving her right to anonymity in a landmark mass rape trial, has arrived in London to launch her memoir, A Hymn to Life. Her visit was marked by a high-profile meeting at Clarence House, where she was received by Queen Camilla, signaling the continued international impact of her fight for justice and the “reversal of shame” for survivors of sexual violence.
Royal Audience at Clarence House
On Monday, 23 February 2026, Queen Camilla held a private audience with Ms Pelicot at her London residence. The Queen, a long-standing advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, reportedly told Ms Pelicot that she was left “speechless” and “shocked” by the account of the decade-long ordeal detailed in the new memoir. During the meeting, which required a translator, the Queen praised Ms Pelicot’s “extraordinary dignity” and her role in sparking a global conversation regarding consent and chemical submission.
A Memoir of Survival: ‘A Hymn to Life’
The publication of A Hymn to Life (released in February 2026) provides a definitive account of the crimes committed against Ms Pelicot between 2011 and 2020. The book details how her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, drugged her with sedatives and invited dozens of strangers to assault her while she was unconscious. Beyond the trauma, the memoir explores her childhood, her relationship with her children, and her decision to refuse a closed-door trial, which she insists was an act of defiance for all women.
In recent interviews promoting the book, Ms Pelicot revealed that she did not recognise herself in the police videos used as evidence during the trial. She also shared personal details previously kept private, including the support of a new partner who stood by her throughout the legal proceedings.
Key Facts: The Pelicot Case and Memoir
The following table outlines the critical details of the case and the subsequent literary release that has galvanised the feminist movement in France and abroad.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Gisèle Pelicot |
| Memoir Title | A Hymn to Life (Une Vie) |
| UK Publication Date | February 2026 |
| Primary Defendant | Dominique Pelicot (Ex-husband) |
| Trial Significance | 51 men convicted; waived anonymity to ensure “shame changes sides” |
| Legal Impact | Influenced French debates on defining rape through consent |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gisèle Pelicot waive her right to anonymity?
Ms Pelicot chose to have a public trial to ensure that the perpetrators could not hide in the shadows. She famously stated that she wanted “shame to change sides,” moving the burden of stigma from the victim to the attackers.
What was the outcome of the trial?
The trial concluded with the conviction of 51 men, including Dominique Pelicot. Sentences ranged from three to 15 years for charges including rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault. The court found that the men could not claim ignorance of the lack of consent, as Ms Pelicot was visibly unconscious in the recorded evidence.
What is “chemical submission”?
Chemical submission refers to the administration of drugs or substances to a person without their knowledge to commit a crime, typically sexual assault. Ms Pelicot’s case has brought international attention to the need for stricter monitoring of sedatives and better forensic protocols for victims of drug-facilitated crimes.