Queen Camilla, at 16 or 17, confronted an assailant during an attempted indecent assault on a train to London’s Paddington Station, using her shoe’s heel to defend herself. The revelation comes from Power and the Palace, a book by Valentine Low, former royal editor of The Times. Camilla shared the story with Boris Johnson in 2008, when he was London’s mayor, describing how she struck the attacker after he touched her inappropriately. Following her mother’s advice to use her shoe as a weapon in such situations, she reported the incident to station staff, leading to the man’s arrest. The account, kept private for decades, underscores Camilla’s courage and aligns with her advocacy for victims of violence. Buckingham Palace has not disputed the details but issued no official statement. The story highlights Camilla’s long-standing commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Her experience, though not the direct catalyst for her activism, reflects her empathy for those she now champions.
The incident, detailed by Low, showcases Camilla’s resilience and civic responsibility in a traumatic moment.
A bold act of self-defense
At 16 or 17, Camilla Shand faced a perilous situation on a train when a man attempted to assault her. According to the book, she reacted swiftly, removing her shoe and striking the attacker with its heel. Her quick thinking not only protected her but also ensured the assailant faced justice.
- The incident occurred on a train heading to Paddington Station.
- Camilla reported the assault to station authorities.
- The attacker was apprehended following her report.
- Her mother’s advice guided her response. Camilla’s decision to keep the story private until now reflects her focus on amplifying the voices of other survivors rather than her own experience.
Dedication to supporting survivors
Camilla has devoted significant effort to aiding victims of domestic and sexual violence, serving as patron of SafeLives, a UK charity supporting survivors. Her visits to shelters and rape crisis centers across the UK and abroad demonstrate her commitment. In a 2020 speech, she praised the bravery of survivors, calling their stories “heart-wrenching” and urging an end to the stigma surrounding reporting abuse.
- Camilla became SafeLives’ patron in 2017.
- She has visited numerous support centers in the UK.
- Her speeches encourage victims to speak out.
- In 2025, she sent a letter of support to French victim Gisèle Pelicot. Sources close to her clarify that her activism stems from the stories of survivors she has met, not solely from her teenage experience.
A strategic silence to uplift others
According to Valentine Low, Camilla chose not to publicize her ordeal to avoid overshadowing the experiences of the survivors she supports. Her approach reflects sensitivity to the issue. At a 2024 Clarence House reception, she noted that discussions about domestic violence were taboo a decade ago but are now more open, thanks to survivors sharing their stories.
- Camilla avoided publicizing her story to focus on others.
- She works to destigmatize reporting abuse.
- Her public events highlight survivors’ courage. Royal sources suggest that if her story helps reduce stigma for victims today, it could turn a painful memory into a positive force.
Historical context and social impact
The assault on Camilla in the 1960s occurred in an era when reporting sexual violence was rare and heavily stigmatized. Her decision to report the attacker was bold for the time, reflecting her strength. Today, as queen and advocate, her story carries added weight in raising awareness.
- In the 1960s, few women reported sexual assault.
- Camilla’s actions were considered unusual for the era.
- Her story aligns with modern anti-violence campaigns.
- Power and the Palace includes other royal anecdotes. Her experience underscores the importance of reporting and connects to broader efforts to address gender-based violence.
Ongoing advocacy and inspiration
Camilla’s work with SafeLives extends beyond formal appearances. She meets survivors, listens to their stories, and promotes initiatives that encourage reporting and support. In 2025, her letter to Gisèle Pelicot, a French victim of high-profile abuse, reinforced her solidarity.
- Camilla supports SafeLives at global events.
- Her letter to Pelicot gained international attention.
- She has attended over 50 related events since 2017.
- Her efforts inspire other public figures to engage.
- She continues visiting shelters and support centers. Her journey, marked by resilience since youth, motivates women to confront violence without fear or shame.
Breaking the silence on taboo topics
Camilla’s choice to keep her experience private until now highlights her commitment to centering survivors’ voices. In her speeches, she stresses the need to normalize conversations about domestic violence. At a 2024 event, she noted that a decade ago, the topic was avoided, but today, survivors are more empowered to speak out.
- Camilla has delivered over 20 speeches on the issue.
- She encourages survivors to reject guilt.
- Her work has shifted public perceptions of violence. Her story, now public, reinforces her call for victims to seek justice and support without stigma.
