Queen Camilla delivered a message of support to survivors of sexual violence during an International Women's Day reception at St James's Palace, telling guests, 'Please know that you are not alone.'
Her remarks came as scrutiny surroundingformer Prince Andrewcontinues following his long-running links to financier Jeffrey Epstein and a separate police investigation earlier this year.
While the Queen did not directly mention Andrew or Epstein, the timing of the speech and its focus on victims who say they were not believed quickly raised eyebrows within the Royal Family about double standards.
Camilla made the remarks on 10 March at a reception hosted by the Women of the World Foundation to mark International Women's Day.
Addressing survivors of abuse, she told the audience, '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.'
She added, 'We stand with you and alongside you, today and every day, in solidarity, sorrow and sympathy.'
This afternoon, The Queen delivered a speech at a reception to mark International Women's Day and the 15th anniversary [email protected] Her Majesty's speech in full:https://t.co/87X7HYRm04pic.twitter.com/6CRwdYNRQD
The Queen also warned that silence around abuse allows violence to continue, telling guests that society must stop ignoring misogyny and harassment, including online. 'If misogyny and hatred are not confronted here and now,' she said, 'we will face far greater issues in the future.'
Among the attendees at the London event were actors Helen Mirren and Miriam Margolyes, broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and lawyer Cherie Blair.
The Queen's remarks came at a sensitive moment for the royal family as investigations into Andrew continue.
Source: International Business Times UK
