**King Charles Shares Fascination with Papal Drama as He Honours Distinguished Authors at Buckingham Palace**
Buckingham Palace was abuzz with literary celebration on Tuesday, as acclaimed novelist Robert Harris, aged 68, formally received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) from King Charles III. The recognition was granted for Harris’s extensive contributions to literature – an accolade that placed him among notable literary figures during the distinguished investiture ceremony.
During the proceedings, Harris revealed a remarkable detail—His Majesty the King has not only followed Harris’s literary career but has also viewed the film adaptation of Harris’s bestselling novel, *Conclave*. Adapted from his intricate 2016 thriller, the film garnered critical acclaim and even secured an Oscar nomination, cementing its status within both literary and cinematic spheres.
Harris, formerly a political journalist before turning to fiction, spoke candidly about the surreal sensation of seeing *Conclave*, which explores the secretive process of selecting a new pope, brought vividly to life on screen. Reflecting on recent events concerning the papal succession, Harris described the entire experience as “eerie,” noting how close his fictional imagining came to the realities that played out within the Vatican following the recent passing of Pope Francis.
With remarkable attention to detail, Harris used his journalistic skill to craft a narrative rich in conjecture and imagination—an approach he believes is essential when writing about such clandestine ceremonies. “It’s the sort of thing that can really only be tackled in fiction—I had to make a lot of educated guesses,” he told journalists. Harris added that in the wake of recent papal events, both media professionals and the public turned to his book and its adaptation as a guide to understanding the inner workings of the conclave—an unintended, but somewhat uncanny, consequence of his research.
Stirring the intrigue even further, Harris noted the extraordinary fact that newly selected Pope Leo reportedly watched the film adaptation of *Conclave* ahead of the secretive conclave vote, according to sources close to the pontiff. This revelation highlights the growing interplay between contemporary storytelling and real-world institutions—even those as guarded as the Vatican.
The literary conversation at Buckingham Palace extended beyond Harris’s celebrated *Conclave*. The King reportedly expressed continued interest in the author’s work, inquiring about Harris’s latest books and sharing that he has been a loyal reader for many years. Harris, in good spirits, mused aloud about the possibilities of drawing inspiration from his visit to the Royal residence, joking that perhaps a future mystery novel might be set within the palace walls themselves—“Murder in the throne room!” he quipped.
Accepting the honour, Harris described the moment as generous and entirely unexpected—a validation of years spent devoted to storytelling. Such public recognition from the highest echelons of British society is a testament to Harris’s enduring impact on the literary world.
The ceremony also celebrated another giant of British letters—Dame Jacqueline Wilson, who was appointed Dame Grand Cross for her services to literature. Known to generations as the creator of Tracy Beaker and author of over 100 novels, Dame Jacqueline, now 79, expressed her amazement and pride at receiving one of the country’s highest distinctions. “It feels like a dream,” she said, recalling how her younger self could never have imagined standing outside Buckingham Palace adorned with medals and a sash.
The King, ever the engaging host, shared a jovial moment with Dame Jacqueline as they laughed together about the challenges of arranging her ceremonial sash—especially tricky when combined with, in her own words, a “silly hat.” Dame Jacqueline took the opportunity to thank both the King and Queen Camilla, the latter of whom is especially known for her advocacy and support of children’s literature.
The recognition comes at a high point in Dame Jacqueline’s career, with her latest adult novel, *Think Again*, recently nominated for a British Book Award. Her enduring influence mirrors that of fellow recipient Harris, both of whom continue to inspire emerging writers and enchant readers at home and abroad.
Tuesday’s ceremony did more than bestow honours; it underscored the power of storytelling and imagination. By acknowledging the creative minds behind some of the nation’s most beloved works, King Charles signalled the value placed on the arts as a vital part of British culture—capturing both the legacy and the ongoing vibrancy of UK literature.