A powerful moment on national radio
Queen Camilla Parker shared a deeply personal story during a special episode of BBC Radio 4’s Today program that aired on December 3, 2025. At 78, the Queen spoke publicly for the first time about being assaulted as a teenager. The conversation took place during a discussion about violence and its long-lasting impact, which was recorded as part of the UN’s International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Remembering an experience that stayed with her
Queen Camilla recalled being attacked by a man on a train while she was reading a book. She explained that she fought back and remembered feeling overwhelming anger rather than fear.
“Somebody I didn’t know,” she revealed. “I was reading my book, and this boy – man – attacked me, and I did fight back.”
When she arrived home, her mother immediately noticed signs of the attack. Although the incident faded into the background over time, Camilla said the emotions never fully disappeared and stayed with her for many years.
“I had been attacked, but I remember anger, and I was so furious about it, and it sort of lurked for many years,” she said.
Turning pain into action
The Queen explained that experiences like hers are why she feels so strongly about supporting victims of rape, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Her comments came during a conversation with broadcaster John Hunt and his surviving daughter, Amy, whose family was killed in a violent attack in July 2024. Throughout the years, Queen Camilla has been an advocate for victims of rape, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. It was revealed in March, 2025 that she had reached out to Gisèle Pelicot, a survivor of sexual violence, to commend her for her “extraordinary dignity and courage.”