Trans activists and their supporters inundated the Royal Family's social media accounts with criticism following the Queen's meeting with JK Rowling at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
India Willoughby, who has frequently sparred with the Harry Potter author, declared on X: "The Royal Family standing proudly with probably the biggest trans hate preacher in the world. Shows how out of touch the monarchy is. Tick-tock."
Activist Aiden Neal stated: "The Royal Family should not be posing for photographs with one of the worst trans-baiters in the world today and then posting them on the very platform where she promotes her hate."
Another commenter, Majid, described the timing as "in such bad taste."
Critics flooded Instagram with transgender pride flags, with one user questioning whether the Queen's commitment to literacy applied to "all young people" or "only some."
The encounter occurred on the final day of Pride Month, with one critic writing: "During Pride Month. Really? PR team really didn't have your back on this one."
However, some commenters rallied to Ms Rowling's defence, with certain users describing the pair as "inspirational."
Stephen Richmond argued: "J.K. Rowling is just as entitled to her opinion as anyone else. Anyone acting as though she is worthless simply because she disagrees with your lifestyle should take a long, hard look in the mirror."
He continued: "I'm sure every one of us has beliefs or actions that others could heavily criticize. She has never said that she hates anyone, she has said that she disagrees with certain ideas and lifestyles.
"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. That kind of inconsistency comes across as biased."
One supporter suggested Ms Rowling deserved a damehood for being "such a supporter of women's rights."
Ms Rowling has occupied a central position in Britain's gender debate since December 2019, when she voiced support for a tax specialist dismissed after making gender-critical statements.
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The author contributed £70,000 towards legal costs for For Women Scotland, the campaign group whose challenge ultimately led to the UK Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of woman should include only those assigned female at birth.
She has previously asserted that "there are no trans kids" and that no child is "born in the wrong body," while also commenting on public figures such as boxer Imane Khelif.
The meeting between Queen Camilla and the Harry Potter author took place on Tuesday at the royal residence in Edinburgh, with the official Royal Family post highlighting their mutual enthusiasm for promoting reading among young people.
The Palace stated that the pair discussed "the importance of ensuring that young people have access to books and the vital part reading plays in opening doors for future generations."
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