Queen Camilla: 'I Whacked Him in the Nuts!'
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, 2014. Photo courtesy of Northern Ireland Office under CC BY 2.0.
Queen Camilla, known for her poised and composed public image, harbors a powerful story from her teenage years that has only recently come to light. A new royal biography, "Power and the Palace: The Inside Story of the Monarchy" by Valentine Low, recounts a gripping moment of courage and quick thinking from Camilla's youth. According to the book, as a schoolgirl in the mid-1960s, Camilla reportedly faced an attempted sexual assault on a train to Paddington. Drawing on advice from her mother, she fought back by striking her attacker in the groin with the heel of her shoe. The biography describes how this act of self-defense stopped the assault and shaped her resilience, a foundation that quietly informs her ongoing advocacy for survivors of sexual violence
A Moment of Courage on a London Train
The story unfolds on a routine train journey to Paddington Station when Camilla was about 16 or 17 years old. According to accounts shared in "Power and the Palace," Camilla was subjected to an escalating assault by a man who was moving his hand inappropriately. Instead of succumbing to fear, she remembered her mother's advice and took decisive action. Removing her shoe, she delivered a sharp blow to the attacker's groin with the heel, a move that stunned him and halted the assault. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, Camilla then jumped off the train and then sought out a uniformed officer to report the incident, which resulted in the man's arrest.
This episode reveals a side of Camilla rarely seen by the public — a young woman who, despite the trauma, showed strength and self-possession beyond her years. It also highlights the maternal wisdom passed down to her, a lesson that empowered her to protect herself in a moment of danger.
The Story Behind Closed Doors
The revelation comes from a conversation Camilla had with Boris Johnson, then mayor of London, in 2008. According to PEOPLE, Johnson and his communications director, Guto Harri, were invited to tea at Clarence House, where Camilla shared this deeply personal experience. Harri recalled how the meeting quickly evolved into a serious discussion about Camilla's assault and Johnson's plans to open rape crisis centers across London. The story reportedly inspired Johnson's commitment to establishing these centers. Harri explained that Camilla went on to formally open two of the three centers Johnson aimed to create, adding that at the time, "Nobody asked why the interest, why the commitment [from Camilla]. But that's what it went back to," as reported by PEOPLE.
Camilla's willingness to share this painful memory with political figures underscores her dedication to supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence. It also sheds light on the quiet strength that has shaped her public work and charitable efforts.
From Private Pain to Public Advocacy
Queen Camilla's advocacy for victims of sexual violence is well documented. Over the years, she has championed numerous initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing support for survivors. Her involvement with charities like SafeLives and her participation in projects such as the Wash Bags campaign, which supplies toiletries to those affected by rape and abuse, reflect a deep personal commitment to this cause.
In recent years, Camilla has used her platform to speak out against the culture of silence that often surrounds sexual assault. During a speech at the 2021 Women of the World event, Camilla said, "After all, rapists are not born, they are constructed," as reported by PEOPLE. She continued, "And it takes an entire community — male and female — to dismantle the lies, words and actions that foster a culture in which sexual assault is seen as normal and in which it shames the victim." Her speeches and public appearances reveal a woman who channels her own experiences into a broader mission to empower others and foster change.
A Legacy of Resilience
This newly revealed story from Camilla's teenage years adds a profound layer to her public persona. The Queen Consort's grace and dignity are not just the product of royal upbringing but also the result of hard-won resilience. Her quick thinking and courage on that train decades ago echo in her present-day role as a steadfast advocate for vulnerable women.
This glimpse into Camilla's past offers a fresh perspective. It reminds us that behind the polished appearances and ceremonial duties lie real human stories of strength, survival, and compassion. Camilla's journey from a frightened schoolgirl to a queen who champions survivors of abuse is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring impact of maternal wisdom.
As the world continues to watch Queen Camilla, this secret show of strength enriches her legacy, inspiring admiration and respect far beyond the palace walls.
References: Queen Camilla fought off attacker with high heel as a teenager | Queen Camilla Was Sexually Assaulted as a Teen, New Book Claims | Queen Camilla fought off sexual assault as teenager, book claims | Queen Camilla
