Queen Camilla Was Sexually Assaulted as a Teen, New Book Claims

Queen Camilla Reveals Past Sexual Assault in New Book

Queen Camilla has recently come forward with a harrowing account of a sexual assault she endured as a teenager in a new book titled “Power and the Palace”. The book sheds light on a 2008 conversation between Camilla and Boris Johnson, where she recounted a disturbing incident from her youth. The revelation has sparked conversations about her advocacy work for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

In the book, written by Valentine Low, it is detailed how Camilla shared her personal story with Boris Johnson during a meeting in 2008. Guto Harri, the communications director at the time, described how Camilla bravely opened up about being a victim of attempted sexual assault while riding a train to Paddington as a schoolgirl. Johnson, who was planning to open three rape crisis centers in London, was deeply moved by her story.

The relevance of Camilla’s disclosure during that meeting was significant as it tied into Johnson’s initiative to establish additional rape crisis centers in London. Camilla’s firsthand account of standing up against her attacker resonated with Johnson’s mission, leading to the formal opening of two out of three planned centers. This revelation highlights Camilla’s strength and determination to support survivors and tackle issues of sexual violence.

Camilla’s dedication to advocating for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence has been a consistent aspect of her public work. Her recent outreach to Gisèle Pelicot, a survivor of rape, showcases her commitment to acknowledging and supporting those affected by such traumas. The Queen’s decision to personally connect with Pelicot and offer words of encouragement reflects her deep empathy for survivors.

Last year, Camilla hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to recognise individuals supporting survivors of sexual assault. The event also marked the relaunch of the Wash Bags project, aimed at providing essential toiletries to those impacted by rape and abuse. Her involvement in projects like SafeLives and documentaries such as “Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors” underscores her persistent efforts to raise awareness and combat domestic and sexual violence.

In a speech at a Women of the World event in 2021, Camilla condemned the culture of silence that perpetuates abuse and empowers abusers. She emphasised the collective responsibility of dismantling societal norms that enable sexual assault. Camilla’s advocacy work serves as a beacon of hope for survivors and a call to action for communities to address and prevent such atrocities.

Camilla’s bravery in sharing her own experiences of overcoming sexual assault adds a powerful voice to the fight against abuse. Her resilience and compassion have inspired many and contributed to the ongoing conversation around supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. As the Queen continues her advocacy work, her message of solidarity with survivors resonates deeply in the fight against sexual violence.