Queen Camilla condemned abuse and violence against females during an International Women’s Day event in London. Photo / Getty Images
Queen Camilla condemned abuse and violence against females during an International Women’s Day event in London. Photo / Getty Images
Queen Camilla delivered a speech condemning abuse and violence against females during an International Women’s Day event.
The 78-year-old told survivors they are not alone and criticised those who “heap abuse on others without thought of consequence”.
Camilla spoke at an event on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) marking International Women’sDay, which fell on March 8, hosted by the Women of the World organisation at St James’s Palace, London.
The gathering also celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Women of the World movement and brought together campaigners, performers and public figures including Helen Mirren, Hannah Waddingham, Cherie Blair and Penny Lancaster.
During the event, Camilla wore a badge bearing the phrase “Shame Must Change Sides”, which had been given to her by French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot.
Camilla 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.”
She added: “We stand with you and alongside you, today and every day, in solidarity, sorrow and sympathy.
Queen Camilla emphasised solidarity with abuse survivors, urging that their stories be told to combat a culture of silence. Photo / Getty Images
“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.”
Camilla also criticised abusive behaviour online, saying it contributed to wider patterns of harm.
She said: “And 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 of consequence.
“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.”
Andrew Windsor has faced allegations from sex trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre, who died in 2025 from suicide aged 41 after having accused him of sexual misconduct linked to his paedophile friend Jeffrey Epstein.
The former prince – stripped of his royal titles in October by his older brother King Charles, 77, has always denied the allegations and later reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre thought to have been around £12 million (NZ$27m) – without admitting liability.
When asked if Camilla’s speech was a “thinly veiled” reference to the Epstein scandal, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “I think Her Majesty’s speech speaks for itself.”
