A newly revealed story from Queen Camilla’s youth sheds light on her resilience and commitment to supporting victims of sexual violence. Learn more about her personal experience and advocacy.
Before Queen Camilla became a symbol of quiet strength by King Charles’s side, she carried with her a deeply personal story of survival — one that would later shape the causes she passionately champions today. A long-suppressed memory from her teenage years has recently resurfaced, revealing not only her resilience in the face of trauma but also her lifelong commitment to supporting victims of sexual violence.
This disclosure came from Guto Harri, former communications director to Boris Johnson, who recounted a private conversation between Camilla and Boris during his early days as Mayor of London. In this exchange, Camilla revealed a traumatic ordeal from her youth that, until now, had been largely kept under wraps.
An Uneasy Introduction At Clarence House
The story was revealed during an awkward first meeting between Boris Johnson and then-Prince Charles in 2008. Delayed by travel issues, Boris was met with a cool reception by Charles, who took offense at his lateness. However, Camilla’s response was markedly warmer. “He looks like such fun. Can we have him over for tea?” she asked Charles, curious about Boris.
Later, Boris and Guto cycled back to Clarence House to avoid another delay, and Camilla welcomed them with lighthearted disbelief. She later took Boris upstairs for a private conversation, where she shared a deeply personal memory.
A Teenage Ordeal Shared In Confidence
Camilla, around 16 or 17 at the time, recalled an incident when she was traveling by train to Paddington. During the journey, she became the target of a sexual assault attempt. “Some guy was moving his hand further and further,” she confided to Boris. When asked how she responded, her answer was direct and unapologetic: “I did what my mother taught me to. I took off my shoe and whacked him in the nuts with the heel.”
What followed was a clear demonstration of Camilla’s composure. After jumping off the train at Paddington, she approached a uniformed officer and reported the assault. The man was arrested, and Camilla showed remarkable self-possession in the face of trauma.
The Roots Of A Lifelong Commitment
This personal revelation sheds new light on Camilla’s longstanding commitment to supporting women and girls, particularly in the areas of sexual violence and abuse. Her dedication to expanding London’s rape crisis services aligns with her own experiences, and her involvement was pivotal in opening several new centers in the capital.
At the time, London had only one sexual violence support center in the south. Boris Johnson pledged to open three more, and Camilla took an active role, later opening two of them herself. Her actions were driven by a personal commitment, one that Guto Harri noted was never questioned by those around her.
From Survivor To Advocate
Camilla’s advocacy did not stop there. Over the years, it became a defining aspect of her public service. She partnered with then–Prime Minister Theresa May on a campaign to encourage survivors of sexual and domestic abuse to seek help. The campaign, launched during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, was accompanied by a £20 million funding boost for specialist services, including sexual assault referral centers.
The NHS England praised Camilla’s “longstanding commitment” to raising awareness and confirmed that she personally engaged with survivors, hearing directly about their experiences and the care they had received. This ongoing work has been one of the most visible aspects of her role as Queen Consort.
The Story Resurfaces
Forget the Oasis reunion. I'm going on tour! pic.twitter.com/yzL0MO7r1t
— Valentine Low (@valentinelow) July 22, 2025
The revelation of Camilla’s teenage trauma has come to light again in the serialization of royal journalist Valentine Low’s forthcoming book, Power and the Palace. The book explores the monarchy’s complex relationships with Britain’s political life, providing context for Camilla’s advocacy efforts.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Valentine Low confirmed that The Times was the outlet publishing the full account of the story. The personal trauma Camilla faced as a teenager has, over the years, become a driving force behind her tireless work to support those affected by sexual violence.
Obviously the important one is The Times, which is serialising Power and the Palace and has the full story.
— Valentine Low (@valentinelow) September 1, 2025
A Life-Altering Moment That Drives Compassion
Today, Queen Camilla’s advocacy for survivors stands as one of the most meaningful aspects of her public service. The painful memory she shared in confidence with Boris Johnson has grown into a cause that touches countless lives. It is a story of personal pain, resilience, and the resolve to ensure that others do not suffer in silence.
Her candid admission to Boris was not simply a passing comment but a reflection of a pivotal moment that continues to shape her mission. In her work, Camilla has turned her trauma into a force for good, helping to ensure that survivors receive the support they need to heal.
