Queen Camilla Speaks Out Against Violence Toward Women as Andrew Scandal Casts Shadow Over Royal Family
Queen Camilla Speaks Out Against Violence Toward Women as Andrew Scandal Casts Shadow Over Royal Family
Simon PerryTue, March 10, 2026 at 6:28 PM UTC
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Queen Camilla during a Women of the World reception on March 10, 2026Credit: Aaron Chown-Pool/Getty
Queen Camilla is speaking up for the victims of abuse.
The Queen, 78, made a powerful address to a reception she hosted at St. James's Palace in London on March 10 to mark International Women's Day and the 15th birthday of the Women of the World (WOW) organization. Queen Camilla, who is President of the WOW, is a longtime supporter of women who have been in abusive relationships and the victims of sexual and other assaults.
Hosting a party at the palace for guests, including actress Miriam Margolyes, 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. We stand with you and alongside you, today and every day, in solidarity, sorrow and sympathy."
She added, "Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls. It is for this reason that, for 15 years, WOW has been sharing women’s experiences through their festivals, inspiring thousands of people across six continents to take action."
"One significant misconception about violence against women is that it is ‘a woman problem’ and that, by changing ourselves, women can prevent it from happening and be protected from its consequences," the royal continued. "This is unjust and untrue."
Queen Camilla at Women of the World reception on March 10, 2026Credit: Aaron Chown-Pool/Getty
It is the tenth time that Queen Camilla has hosted a reception at the palace for WOW, which she has supported since its inception in 2010. She has been its president since 2015, attending the WOW Festival in London and events around the world.
During her time campaigning for and supporting women, Camilla has built extensive experience in talking to and consoling those who have been the victims of terrible abuse.
She spoke on March 10 about meeting French woman Gisèle Pelicot in London recently, saying she was proudly wearing a pin, next to her WOW one, that said, “Shame Must Change Sides." Queen Camilla explained it was given to her by Pelicot, "whom I was honored and delighted to meet for tea, to hear her story in person, told with grace, strength and, above all, determination that the world’s view of violence against women and girls must shift dramatically."
"As she said in her address to Parliament, “Changing legislation is far easier than changing attitudes. For victims to speak out, society also has to be ready to listen and to hold their hand."
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Queen Camilla at the Women of the World reception on March 10, 2026Credit: Aaron Chown-Pool/Getty
She recounted meeting John Hunt, from Hertfordshire, U.K., whose wife Carol Hunt and her daughters Louise and Hannah were murdered by Louise’s ex-boyfriend in their home. She spoke to John and his other daughter, Amy, "who, courageously and with great dignity, spoke to me about the loss of their beloved family." She thanked Amy for being at the gathering with her fiancé, Gareth.
Queen Camilla also warned about the possible ramifications for not countering the misogyny and hatred that appears online "where boys and young men absorb many of the values they will carry through until adulthood." She added, "We cannot be surprised by physical cruelty if, in digital forums, we turn a blind eye to those who heap abuse on others without thought or consequence.”
The Queen concluded her speech with: "Every woman has a story. And so, too, does every man. Let us join together to, in Gisèle Pelicot’s words, bring about "a collective awakening. It’s about education, respect and kindness towards others. It’s that simple."
King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Commonwealth Day service in London on March 9, 2026Credit: Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty
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The palace reception came as the British royal family faced protests outside the Commonwealth Day service on March 9, alluding to the recent scandals surrounding the former Prince Andrew.
Andrew stepped back from his public royal role in 2019 following a BBC interview in which he discussed his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Queen Elizabeth later stripped her second son of his military titles and patronages in January 2022, after a judge rejected his attempt to have Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit against him dismissed. He settled with Giuffre out of court for an undisclosed sum.
Criticism surrounding Andrew intensified last year amid newly unveiled email exchanges with Epstein and the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April at 41. In the book, she wrote that Andrew “believed having sex with me was his birthright,” describing three occasions Epstein allegedly arranged for her to meet him beginning at age 17.
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
King Charles' younger brother was arrested on Feb. 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police are investigating Andrew over an allegation that he shared confidential information with Epstein while acting as a trade envoy for the U.K., a position he held from 2001 to 2011.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
