At a Glance
- Camilla publicly discusses her 1960s indecent assault.
- She recounts fending off a man on a train.
- She praises former commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy after the 2024 murder case.
- Why it matters: It highlights domestic violence and shows a royal using her platform for advocacy.
Duchess Camilla made history Wednesday by speaking publicly about an assault she endured in the 1960s, using her voice to shine a light on domestic violence. The conversation also touched on the recent murders of Louise Hunt and her family, and included praise for John Hunt and his daughter Amy. The remarks come as part of her ongoing campaign against abuse.
The 1960s Attack
Camilla recalled a train incident when she was a teenager. She said she was reading her book when a man attacked her, and she fought back.
Camilla stated:
> “I was reading my book, and you know, this boy, man, attacked me, and I did fight back,”
Camilla added:
> “And I remember getting off the train and my mother looking at me and saying, ‘Why is your hair standing on end?’ and ‘Why is a button missing from your coat?'”
The book Power and the Palace recounts the event, noting she removed her shoe and struck the attacker in the groin, then reported to a uniformed man who arrested the assailant.
Domestic Violence Advocacy
Camilla said she kept the assault quiet until hearing other women’s stories, deciding to speak out because the issue is taboo.
- Uses her royal platform to raise awareness.
- Encourages people to talk and gather.
- Emphasizes that most people are unaware of the epidemic.
Tribute to John Hunt and Amy
In a group interview with Louise Hunt’s surviving family, Camilla praised former racing commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy for their work fighting domestic violence.
Camilla said:
> “Wherever your family is now, they’d be so proud of you both,”
> “And they must be, from above, smiling down on you and thinking, ‘My goodness me, what a wonderful, wonderful father, husband, sister. They’d just be so proud of you both.'”
Camilla also revealed in a British Vogue interview how she and Prince Charles find time for each other amid their duties.
Key Takeaways
- Camilla publicly shared a personal assault to spotlight domestic violence.
- She honored John Hunt and Amy following the tragic Hunt family murders.
- The Duchess uses her influence to encourage open dialogue about abuse.
By sharing her story, Camilla underscores the importance of speaking out and the power of a royal voice in the fight against domestic violence.
