J.K. Rowling has accepted, in lieu of further legal action, a sizable charitable donation from the law firm which leaked her identity as Robert Galbraith, the author of The Cuckoo's Calling.

J.K.Rowling
J.K.Rowling at the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.

The critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful crime novel The Cuckoo's Calling was revealed to have been written by Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith earlier last month. 

It wasn't initially clear how Rowling's identity had been revealed until Russell's solicitors, who had been representing her interests, released a statement apologising to the author for having leaked the statement. Apparently one of the firm's partners, Chris Gossage, told Rowling's secret to his wife who repeated it to one of her friends. This friend, a Judith Callegari, informed The Sunday Times of Galbraith's identity. 

JK Rowling
Jk Rowling at the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

Rowling, in a statement issued on her website shortly after Russells' statement, said "I feel very angry that my trust turned out to be misplaced."  She also described her wish "to keep this secret a little longer because being Rover Galbraith has been such a liberating experience." 

Rowling has since taken legal action against the firm, bringing proceedings to London's High Court against Gossage and Callegari. The High Court hearing took place on Wednesday 31st July and a settlement was agreed, following further apologies by Gossage, Callegari and Russells, which would cover Rowling's legal costs and a donation to the Soldiers' Charity. The charity, which is in its 68th year, gives "lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families".

Wednesday 31st marked the birthday of J.K. Rowling and her much beloved creation Harry Potter. 

Daniel RadcliffeDaniel Radcliffe, photographed at the 2013 Laurence Olivier Awards in London, played Harry Potter in the film adaptation of Rowling's books.