For more than ten years, Queen Camilla has proven herself as a significant advocate for literature in the United Kingdom. Through her initiatives like the Queen’s Reading Room and her involvement with the Booker Prize, she has celebrated the works of British authors and formed connections with them. Recently, she has become a character in a thrilling new novel by acclaimed author Peter James, titled The Hawk Is Dead.
In a recent Facebook video, James revealed that the novel’s plot unfolds primarily in London, with a strong focus on Buckingham Palace where Queen Camilla plays a vital role. King Charles III also makes an appearance in the narrative. As the 21st installment in James’s Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, the story revolves around a dangerous assassination plot targeting the royal train. While the lives of the royals are spared, the queen must take swift action to assist in the train’s evacuation following a catastrophic tunnel crash.
A royal twist in a gripping story
Within the pages of The Hawk Is Dead, a shocking turn of events occurs when the queen’s fictional private secretary, Sir Peregrine Graves, is murdered. This sets Detective Grace on a path to uncover the mystery surrounding the murder and to determine if Graves was indeed the intended victim. The narrative even includes a captivating scene in which the queen offers Grace a personal tour of Buckingham Palace.
Collaboration between fiction and royal influence
According to an interview with ITV, James shared that the concept for the book stemmed directly from Queen Camilla herself. He expressed gratitude for the queen’s support throughout the writing process, stating that he was granted extensive access to Buckingham Palace. He mentioned, “She has been brilliantly helpful. There’s a major chase scene in the book, and I had a three-and-a-half-hour tour to ensure accuracy.” James reflected on the queen’s enthusiasm for literature, which he finds inspiring.
Initially, James was under the impression that the queen was joking when she expressed interest in a story set in the palace. However, a senior member of the royal household later confirmed that her request was genuine. The queen reportedly wished to see Roy Grace featured in a London setting, contemplating whether a murder or two might unfold within the palace walls.
Queen Camilla’s literary appreciation
The queen’s admiration for James’s work became public in April when she shared a photograph of her reading space in Scotland, prominently showcasing several of his novels. In, the author participated in her podcast series, The Queen’s Reading Room, where Camilla revealed that Roy Grace is her favorite fictional detective. She remarked, “There are so many of his books. I started at the very beginning. The beauty of his stories is that although the plot can be quite chilling, the narrative remains anchored in Grace’s experiences and personal life.”
Maintaining a sense of humor amidst royal life
As for her reaction to her portrayal in The Hawk Is Dead, the queen has yet to comment publicly, and Buckingham Palace has not issued any statements regarding the novel. However, based on her known personality, it’s likely that she is pleased to see her creative idea come to life. Camilla is often recognized for her light-hearted approach to royal duties. A source close to her mentioned in that she even watched the Netflix series The Crown, which depicted her in a somewhat unflattering light.
The source revealed, “I can imagine her watching it with a glass of red wine in hand. She enjoyed the previous seasons and has a wonderful sense of humor, so this won’t bother her at all.”