While Queen Camilla may not be a favorite among the public, her story has recently moved many after a testimony went viral detailing an abuse she allegedly suffered in London at just 16 years old.
According to revelations in the new book Power and the Palace by journalist Valentine Low, Queen Camilla was the victim of an attempted sexual assault when she was still a teenager. But the account also highlighted her courage and resilience in the face of the incident.
Queen Camilla Was the Victim of a Sexual Assault Attempt in the London Underground
Sadly, harassment is a daily reality for many, but it was shocking to learn that even the now Queen Camilla endured such an experience. The incident reportedly occurred when she was between 16 and 17 years old, during a train journey to Paddington Station in London.
According to the account, a man attempted to touch her inappropriately. Camilla defended herself by striking him with the heel of her shoe — a tactic her mother had taught her. Upon arriving at the station, she reported the incident to an officer, which led to the arrest of the aggressor.
In a private conversation she had with Boris Johnson in 2008, Camilla shared this traumatic experience. The anecdote was later included in the book by Guto Harri, Johnson’s former Director of Communications.
From Survivor to Advocate
Years later, Queen Camilla became actively involved in causes supporting survivors of sexual violence. She attended the opening of rape crisis centers in London, and many believe her activism stems from the traumatic event she experienced as a teenager.
Since 2013, she has championed the distribution of personal hygiene kits for victims undergoing forensic examinations after sexual assaults. These kits are handed out at Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the UK.
More recently, in 2025, Camilla sent a personal letter to Gisèle Pelicot, the French woman who denounced decades of systematic abuse at the hands of her husband. In her letter, the Queen praised Pelicot’s bravery and dignity, emphasizing that her testimony shines a light on a critical social issue.
Queen Camilla’s personal story shows how even members of royalty can face abuse, reminding us that this is a widespread social problem that knows no boundaries. Her experience has not only humanized her in the public eye but also fueled her commitment to supporting victims and raising awareness about sexual violence.
