Queen Camilla delivers message of support to survivors of all types of violence
Queen Camilla has long been a campaigner against sexual and domestic violence. (Reuters: Aaron Chown/Pool)
In short:
Queen Camilla has spoken up for survivors of all types of violence.
Her remarks came during a speech in London to mark International Women's Day.
The queen said: "We stand with you, alongside you, today and every day, in solidarity, sorrow and sympathy."
Queen Camilla has delivered a speech marking International Women's Day with a message to survivors of all types of violence, saying: "Please know that you are not alone."
Camilla is president of the Women of the World (WOW) group, which campaigns for "an equal and inclusive future for women, girls and non-binary people", and she told the reception at St James's Palace, London:
"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, alongside you, today and every day, in solidarity, sorrow and sympathy."
Her outfit for the occasion, on Tuesday, local time, included a WOW pin, alongside one that read: "Shame Must Change Sides."
In her speech, Camilla referenced meeting French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot in February this year, saying she was "honoured" to hear her story in person over tea.
Queen Camilla with Gisele Pelicot during an audience at Clarence House in February. (AP: Aaron Chown/Pool)
"As she [Gisèle Pelicot] said in her address to parliament," Camilla told the audience, "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."
The queen also spoke of the need to confront "misogyny and hatred" and concluded by saying: "Let's join together to, in Gisèle Pelicot's words, bring about a collective awakening. It's about education, respect and kindness towards others."
There was no mention of the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in the speech, or his association with the king's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The former prince, who was stripped of his royal titles in October last year, has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to the late financier.