"Dignity and bravery"

Gisèle Pelicot received letter from Queen Camilla

Gisèle Pelicot had been repeatedly drugged by her husband for years and offered for rape on internet forums. The trial ended with prison sentences for all defendants.(Bild: AFP/CHRISTOPHE SIMON)

Queen Camilla has written a private message to French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot to express her support at the highest level. This was confirmed by a palace employee to the magazine "Newsweek".

The wife of King Charles III has been committed to helping victims of domestic violence for years and was impressed by Pelicot's "exceptional dignity and bravery", it said.

A crime that shook France
Gisèle Pelicot was repeatedly drugged and raped by her husband Dominique Pelicot for almost a decade. He also recruited dozens of men to have their way with her - and filmed more than 200 of these heinous assaults. 

Pelicot's ex-husband was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Avignon for aggravated rape. The court sentenced 50 co-defendants to prison terms of between three and 15 years. The case caused horror in France and around the world. 

Queen Camilla supports women who have been victims of violence.(Bild: AP/Eddie Mulholland)

Camilla was no exception. "She was deeply affected by the case of Madame Pelicot and by the extraordinary dignity and courage of this woman who dared to go public," said a palace source. Pelicot herself had made it clear that she did not want to hide as a victim: "Why should she be ashamed or disappear into anonymity?"

Camilla continues to fight for victims of violence
Camilla has been campaigning for survivors of domestic and sexual violence for years - and also wanted to set an example in this case: "She wrote Madame Pelicot on her own initiative. It was her express wish to assure her of support at the highest level."

The private message shows that the Queen sees her commitment not only in Great Britain, but also on an international level.