Gisèle Pelicot waived her right to anonymity during the 2024 trial to make the “shame swap sides” from the victim to the rapist.
She became a global figurehead of strength and feminism, and during the 15-week trial in Avignon, supporters stood outside the court every day with signs thanking Ms Pelicot for her courage, and calling for justice.
“It was an honour for me to receive this letter, I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Ms Pelicot, 73, told Victoria Derbyshire for BBC Newsnight.
“I was overwhelmed that the Queen could send me this letter.”