Queen Camilla's Powerful Speech: 'Shame Must Change Sides' for Abuse Victims
Queen Camilla delivered a powerful and impassioned speech today in defence of victims and survivors of violence and abuse, declaring that 'shame must change sides' in society's approach to these crimes. Speaking as president of the Women of the World group at St James's Palace in London to mark International Women's Day, she told assembled guests: 'We stand with you.'
Thinly-Veiled References to High-Profile Cases
Camilla's intervention will likely be interpreted as containing thinly-veiled references to the Jeffrey Epstein case and her brother-in-law Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's alleged involvement. The Queen has long campaigned against domestic violence and sexual abuse, with a Buckingham Palace spokesman stating: 'I think Her Majesty's speech speaks for itself.'
Women of the World, known as WOW, represents a global alliance of partners working toward an equal and inclusive future for women and girls worldwide. During her address, Camilla referenced recent meetings with French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot and with BBC racing commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy.
Personal Testimonies and Powerful Statistics
The Queen told her audience: 'As you can see, I am wearing another badge next to my WOW one. You might not be close enough to read the message, but it says, simply, 'Shame Must Change Sides'.' She explained the badge was given to her last month by Gisèle Pelicot, whom she met for tea to hear her story 'told with grace, strength and, above all, determination that the world's view of violence against women and girls must shift dramatically.'
Camilla then quoted Ms Pelicot's address to Parliament last month, where the rape victim stated: '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. Shame must change sides.'
The Queen highlighted heartbreaking cases, including the year when 51 men were convicted of raping and assaulting Gisèle Pelicot, while in Hertfordshire, Carol Hunt and her daughters Louise and Hannah were brutally murdered by Louise's ex-boyfriend in their own home.
Shocking UK Statistics on Violence Against Women
Camilla presented alarming data showing:
- A woman is murdered by a man every three days in the UK
- 62% of these women are killed by partners or ex-partners
- 70% of these murders occur in the victim's own home
- Almost one third of women in England and Wales have endured domestic abuse
- One in four women have been raped or sexually assaulted
- More than 70% of women in the UK report being harassed in public
The Queen stated: 'Each of us is, therefore, certain either to have experienced some form of abuse personally, or know a woman or a girl who has.' She directly addressed survivors: '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.'
A Call for Cultural Change and Education
Camilla emphasized that 'every woman has a story' - words she heard from Amy Hunt during their conversation about violence against women. She stressed these stories must be told because 'when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.'
The Queen called for boys to be 'taught to manage and to express their feelings healthily' and for all children to 'learn what constitutes consent – and what is assault.' She rejected framing violence against women as either a 'woman problem' or a 'man problem,' insisting it is 'everyone's problem' that requires collective action.
Broader Context and Royal Connections
Camilla's comments follow Prince Andrew's arrest last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. Andrew spent approximately 11 hours in custody as searches were conducted at his Norfolk and Berkshire residences, and was released pending investigation.
The former duke served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, when he stepped down amid concerns over his friendship with Epstein. Andrew paid Virginia Giuffre £12 million to settle a civil suit in the US in 2022, though he has always denied any wrongdoing and claimed never to have met her.
Queen Camilla's full speech at the Women of the World reception emphasized the need for 'a collective awakening' through education, respect and kindness toward others, concluding with her powerful message that shame must indeed change sides in society's treatment of violence against women and girls.
