Queen Camilla's Courageous Stand Against Assault as a Teenager
Published 31 August 2025
Highlights
- Queen Camilla was the victim of an attempted sexual assault as a teenager, using her shoe to fend off the attacker.
- The incident occurred on a train to Paddington Station when she was 16 or 17 years old.
- The story is detailed in Valentine Low's book, "Power and the Palace," and was shared with Boris Johnson in 2008.
- Camilla has been a vocal advocate against domestic violence and sexual assault, supporting victims through her charity work.
- Buckingham Palace has not officially commented on the story but does not dispute its details.
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Rewritten Article
Queen Camilla's Courageous Stand Against Assault as a Teenager
Queen Camilla, a prominent advocate against domestic violence and sexual assault, was herself a victim of an attempted sexual assault during her teenage years, according to a new book. The revelation is made in "Power and the Palace," authored by Valentine Low, a former Royal correspondent for the Times.
A Teenage Encounter on a Train
The incident reportedly took place when Camilla was 16 or 17 years old, traveling on a train to Paddington Station. As recounted in the book, a man began to inappropriately touch her. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, she used the heel of her shoe to fend off the attacker, a tactic her mother had advised her to use in such situations. Upon arriving in London, she reported the incident to station staff, leading to the man's arrest.
A Story Shared with Boris Johnson
The account of this harrowing experience was shared with Boris Johnson in 2008, during his tenure as the Mayor of London. Guto Harri, Johnson’s former communications director, recalled the meeting at Clarence House, where Camilla recounted the event and her decisive actions. The book describes how Johnson expressed admiration for Camilla's courage and resourcefulness.
Advocacy and Support for Victims
Queen Camilla, now 78, has dedicated much of her public work to supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She is a patron of the charity SafeLives and has been actively involved in initiatives to aid survivors. Her advocacy includes promoting the use of washbags for individuals who have been attacked, a concept she championed years ago.
Royal Silence on Personal Experience
While Buckingham Palace has not issued an official statement regarding the book's claims, it has not disputed the details. Sources suggest that Camilla had previously chosen not to publicize the incident to avoid drawing attention to her personal experience.
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Scenario Analysis
The revelation of Queen Camilla's past experience with sexual assault could further amplify her advocacy efforts, potentially leading to increased public awareness and support for victims. Her personal story may inspire others to come forward and seek help, reinforcing the importance of speaking out against such crimes. Legally, while the incident is long past, it underscores the ongoing need for robust measures to protect individuals from sexual violence. Politically, the story may also influence public perception of the Royal Family's engagement with social issues, highlighting their commitment to addressing domestic violence and supporting survivors.
Queen Camilla, a prominent advocate against domestic violence and sexual assault, was herself a victim of an attempted sexual assault during her teenage years, according to a new book. The revelation is made in "Power and the Palace," authored by Valentine Low, a former Royal correspondent for the Times.
A Teenage Encounter on a Train
The incident reportedly took place when Camilla was 16 or 17 years old, traveling on a train to Paddington Station. As recounted in the book, a man began to inappropriately touch her. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, she used the heel of her shoe to fend off the attacker, a tactic her mother had advised her to use in such situations. Upon arriving in London, she reported the incident to station staff, leading to the man's arrest.
A Story Shared with Boris Johnson
The account of this harrowing experience was shared with Boris Johnson in 2008, during his tenure as the Mayor of London. Guto Harri, Johnson’s former communications director, recalled the meeting at Clarence House, where Camilla recounted the event and her decisive actions. The book describes how Johnson expressed admiration for Camilla's courage and resourcefulness.
Advocacy and Support for Victims
Queen Camilla, now 78, has dedicated much of her public work to supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She is a patron of the charity SafeLives and has been actively involved in initiatives to aid survivors. Her advocacy includes promoting the use of washbags for individuals who have been attacked, a concept she championed years ago.
Royal Silence on Personal Experience
While Buckingham Palace has not issued an official statement regarding the book's claims, it has not disputed the details. Sources suggest that Camilla had previously chosen not to publicize the incident to avoid drawing attention to her personal experience.
What this might mean
The revelation of Queen Camilla's past experience with sexual assault could further amplify her advocacy efforts, potentially leading to increased public awareness and support for victims. Her personal story may inspire others to come forward and seek help, reinforcing the importance of speaking out against such crimes. Legally, while the incident is long past, it underscores the ongoing need for robust measures to protect individuals from sexual violence. Politically, the story may also influence public perception of the Royal Family's engagement with social issues, highlighting their commitment to addressing domestic violence and supporting survivors.
