UPDATE: Queen Camilla has made a powerful statement regarding her personal experience of indecent assault, describing her feelings of “furious” anger for the first time publicly. In a revealing interview aired on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the royal recounted a traumatic incident from her teenage years when a man attacked her on a train.
Camilla shared that she was reading a book during the journey when the assault occurred. “When I was a teenager, I was attacked on a train,” she said. “I did fight back… I remember at the time being so angry.” The incident left a lasting impact on her life, as she recalled getting off the train with her hair disheveled and a missing button from her coat.
The Queen emphasized that it was only after witnessing other women bravely share their stories that she felt compelled to speak out. “If I’ve got a tiny soapbox to stand on, I’d like to stand on it,” she said, urging society to confront the “taboo subject” of domestic violence.
In the same interview, Camilla praised the advocacy work of John Hunt and his daughter Amy, relatives of Louise Hunt, who tragically lost their lives in July 2024 due to domestic violence. “Wherever your family is now, they’d be so proud of you both,” she remarked, highlighting the critical importance of addressing this issue.
Camilla’s story is particularly notable as it aligns with her previous comments found in Valentine Low’s 2025 book, Power and Palace, where she detailed the same incident, including how she fought off her attacker by striking him and reporting the crime to authorities upon arriving at Paddington Station.
This urgent revelation aims to spark discussions about domestic violence and encourage survivors to speak out. Queen Camilla’s candidness is expected to resonate widely, as she uses her royal platform to advocate for change in societal attitudes towards this pressing issue.
If you or someone you know is in distress, immediate help is available. Please call 000 for emergencies, or reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 for support. For those under 25, contact the Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800. To discuss domestic violence or seek assistance in leaving a violent relationship, call 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732.
This urgent call to action from Queen Camilla marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight against domestic violence, making it clear that change is necessary and possible.
