Queen Camilla delivered a poignant address at St. James’s Palace on 10 March 2026, during a reception celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Women of the World (WOW) organisation and International Women’s Day. The event brought together distinguished guests, including actress Miriam Margolyes, as the Queen reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for victims of abuse.
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In her role as President of WOW, Queen Camilla has long championed the rights of women who have endured abusive relationships as well as those who have suffered from sexual and other forms of violence. During her address, she reached out to survivors, stating, “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.”
The Queen highlighted the importance of sharing women’s stories, remarking, “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.” She noted that the WOW organisation has been instrumental in bringing these narratives to light over the past 15 years, inspiring individuals across six continents to take action.
Furthermore, she addressed a common misconception surrounding violence against women, pointing out that it is often viewed as a “woman problem.” The Queen firmly stated, “This is unjust and untrue,” inviting a broader cultural shift in understanding the issue at hand.
This recent gathering marks the tenth time that Queen Camilla has hosted an event for WOW since taking on the role of President in 2015, supporting the organisation since its establishment in 2010. Her advocacy has allowed her to connect with numerous survivors, gaining invaluable insights into their experiences of abuse.
During her speech, the Queen recounted a recent meeting with Gisèle Pelicot, a French survivor who wore a pin stating, “Shame Must Change Sides.” This meeting, she said, was an inspiring encounter, allowing her to hear Pelicot’s story delivered with grace, strength, and a determination to change societal perceptions of violence against women and girls.
The Queen referenced a previous address in Parliament where she articulated the difficulties surrounding legislative change versus the much more challenging task of altering societal attitudes. She emphasised the necessity for society to be prepared to listen and provide support to victims who come forward.
Another poignant moment in her address came when she recounted her interaction with John Hunt, who lost his wife and two daughters to violence. His bravery and dignity in discussing the loss greatly impressed the Queen, who acknowledged the courage it takes for individuals to speak about their experiences in such heartbreaking circumstances.
Queen Camilla also acknowledged the dangers of unchecked misogyny in digital spaces, where harmful values can be absorbed by young individuals. “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,” she stated, urging for collective accountability in both online and offline realms.
Concluding her speech, she called for unity in addressing these issues, asserting, “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.”
The event took place amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding the British royal family, particularly following protests outside the Commonwealth Day service the previous day. Tensions have escalated due to the controversies surrounding Prince Andrew, who retired from public royal duties in 2019 after a problematic interview regarding his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Most recently, Prince Andrew faced accusations related to sharing confidential information with Epstein during his time as a trade envoy for the UK—a position he held from 2001 to 2011. He has denied all wrongdoing, but the scrutiny remains high in light of his recent arrest for allegedly misconducting himself in public office.
As Queen Camilla continues her advocacy for women, her recent address illustrates her dedication to raising awareness and driving change around issues of violence and abuse, aiming to foster a society where every story is heard and respected.