Queen Camilla’s Message of Support on International Women’s Day
Queen Camilla has conveyed a message of solidarity for survivors of sexual violence, stating:
"We stand with you and alongside you, today and every day, in solidarity, sorrow and sympathy."
Delivered during a speech commemorating International Women's Day, her remarks are interpreted by some as an indirect reference to victims of the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Addressing a reception held at St James's Palace, the Queen said:
"To every survivor of every kind of violence, many of whom have not been able to tell their stories or who have not been believed, please know that you are not alone."
The event was attended by notable figures including Dame Helen Mirren, Miriam Margolyes, Sandi Toksvig, and Lady Cherie Blair. It was organized for the Women of the World group, which advocates for an "equal and inclusive future."
The speech did not explicitly mention Epstein or the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose royal titles were revoked due to his association with Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Nonetheless, Queen Camilla’s address is widely regarded as an expression of support for women globally who have suffered abuse.
"When we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls,"
she emphasized.
Addressing Online Culture and Youth Influence
The Queen also highlighted the importance of positive role models for young men, particularly in digital spaces.
"It is in the online space where boys and young men absorb many of the values they will carry through until adulthood.
If misogyny and hatred are not confronted here and now, then we will face far greater issues in the future,"
she told her audience.
Queen Camilla’s Advocacy Against Violence
Queen Camilla has long been an advocate against violence toward women and girls. She has visited women’s refuges and worked to break taboos surrounding discussions of domestic violence.
She has shared her own experience of assault, recounting an incident on a train during her teenage years. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she described the event as having left her:
"so angry" and "furious."
Additionally, it was revealed that the Queen had personally written to French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot, who was repeatedly drugged and assaulted by her then-husband. In her letter, Queen Camilla expressed that Ms Pelicot had:
"inspired women across the globe" and "created a powerful legacy that will change the narrative around shame, forever."
During her speech, the Queen acknowledged being inspired by Ms Pelicot’s courage.
Historical Context and Continued Commitment
Prior to becoming Queen, Camilla expressed shock at the murder of Sarah Everard and warned about a culture where violence against women seemed normalized.
Two years ago, at another International Women’s Day reception, she displayed stones that suffragettes had thrown in 1914 at Buckingham Palace windows. These stones had been preserved by Queen Mary, King Charles’s great-grandmother.
At that event, Camilla encouraged attendees:
"Let your lives be the stones that will shatter glass ceilings everywhere and inspire generations to come."
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