Queen Camilla Delivers Powerful Speech on Abuse, Seen as Epstein Reference
Queen Camilla expressed solidarity with survivors of violence and sexual abuse in a major speech on International Women's Day, widely interpreted as a thinly veiled reference to the Epstein scandal involving Prince Andrew. Speaking at St James's Palace in London on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, she condemned a "culture of silence" that empowers abuse against women and girls.
Symbolic Gesture and Strong Words
During her address, Camilla wore a lapel badge reading "Shame Must Change Sides", given to her by French abuse survivor Gisèle Pelicot. She emphasized, "To every survivor of every kind of violence, many of whom have not been able to tell their stories or who have not been believed, please know that you are not alone." The Queen, a long-time campaigner against domestic violence, highlighted her recent meetings with survivors, including Pelicot and the family of Carol Hunt, murdered in Hertfordshire in 2024.
Context of Royal Family and Epstein Allegations
The Royal Family has faced ongoing allegations about Prince Andrew's links to the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, intensified by the release of the Epstein files. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing. Sky News Royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills noted the speech could be seen as "a very thinly veiled reference to the 'Epstein issue'". A Buckingham Palace spokesperson responded, "I think Her Majesty's speech speaks for itself."
Broader Message on Violence Against Women
Camilla argued that violence against women is not solely a "woman problem" or a "man problem", but "everyone's problem". She stated, "Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls." Her comments also touched on raising boys to address the issue, marking a new focus in her advocacy.
Impact of Survivor Meetings
The Queen revealed that meetings with survivors, such as Pelicot—who was drugged and raped by her ex-husband for nearly a decade—have deeply affected her. She shared, "I met with Gisele Pelicot in February to hear her story in person, told with grace, strength, and determination that the world's view must shift dramatically." Camilla has previously spoken about her own experience of assault, emphasizing it was shared to help others, not for sympathy.
This speech, her first significant address since the Epstein files release, underscores her commitment to breaking the silence on abuse, amid ongoing royal controversies.
