Queen Camilla defended herself against a sexual assault attempt as a teenager by using her high heel to strike the attacker, a new book reveals. This incident, which occurred in the mid-1960s, has recently been disclosed and underscores her dedication to supporting sexual assault survivors.
Queen Camilla, the current queen consort of the United Kingdom, reportedly experienced an attempted sexual assault during her teenage years in the mid-1960s. While traveling on a train to London’s Paddington Station, a man seated next to her began to inappropriately touch her. In response, Camilla, then around 16 or 17 years old, followed her mother’s advice and removed her shoe, striking the assailant in the genitals with the heel.
The details of this event were shared by Camilla with former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a meeting in 2008, when Johnson was the mayor of London. This revelation comes from a new book titled ‘Power and the Palace’ by Valentine Low, a former royal correspondent. Low obtained the account from Guto Harri, Johnson’s communications director at the time, who was present during the conversation.
After defending herself, Camilla demonstrated remarkable composure by immediately reporting the incident upon arrival at Paddington Station. She identified the attacker to a uniformed official, leading to his arrest. This act of courage and quick thinking is highlighted as a defining moment in her youth.
The experience is believed to have profoundly influenced Camilla’s advocacy work in later life. She has been a vocal supporter of sexual assault victims for over a decade, frequently visiting sexual assault referral centers across the UK and backing initiatives like Johnson’s plan to open new rape crisis centers in London.
Camilla has generally been reluctant to discuss this personal ordeal publicly, feeling that her experience, while traumatic, should not overshadow the more severe sufferings of other victims. This discretion aligns with her character of humility and focus on others’ needs.
The book ‘Power and the Palace,’ which delves into the relationships between the monarchy and political leaders, is scheduled for release on September 11, 2025. It has already garnered attention for other revelations, such as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s opposition to Brexit.
Media coverage of this story has been widespread in the UK, contributing to a broader discussion on violence against women and the importance of advocacy and support for survivors.