According to an excerpt published in The Times on 31/8/2025, author Valentine Low reveals that during a 2008 meeting with former British prime minister Boris Johnson, queen Camilla recounted an incident from her teenage years. At the age of 16 or 17, while at Paddington Station, she was harassed by a man. Following her mother's advice, she removed her shoe and fought back, then sought help from station staff to apprehend the attacker.

In the book, Guto Harri, former communications director for Johnson, says the meeting took place at Clarence House after Johnson's election as mayor of London. Camilla's personal story connected with Johnson's plan to open three sexual assault support centers. Having already established one in south London, he aimed to add more in the east, west, and north. Camilla subsequently participated in the opening of two of these centers, demonstrating her commitment to the issue.

Cover of "Power and the Palace". The 471-page book will be released in the UK on 11/9/2025. Photo: *Headline Press*

According to People, Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the book. However, for many years, supporting victims of sexual violence has been a top priority for queen Camilla in her social work. She wrote a letter of support to Gisele Pelicot, a victim of a high-profile rape case in France. The queen is involved with the charity SafeLives and appeared in the 2024 documentary "Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors" to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence. She regularly calls for an end to the "culture of silence" that protects perpetrators.

In a 2021 speech at the Women of the World event, she said, "Rapists aren't born, they are created. All of society, men and women alike, need to work together to dismantle the prejudices and excuses that normalize sexual assault and shame the victims".

King Charles III and Camilla married on 9/4/2005, in a small ceremony near Windsor Castle with 28 guests, including the king’s and Princess Diana’s children, and Camilla’s children with her former husband. According to People, the late Queen Elizabeth II praised Camilla's "loyal service" and hoped she would be named queen consort. This wish was realized when then-Prince Charles ascended the throne in late 2022. On 9/4/2025, King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.

Queen Camilla Power-Parkers, wife of King Charles III. Photo: *Eddie Mulholland*

Valentine Low is an author and journalist who served as the royal correspondent for The Times from 2008 to 2023. He first reported on the royal family in 1994, accompanying Queen Elizabeth II on a state visit to Russia. From 2008, he covered the British royal family and produced many exclusive articles, including a series accusing Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry, of bullying staff. His 2022 book, "Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown," about the inner workings of the British monarchy, was a Sunday Times bestseller.

According to publisher Hachette UK, Low's new book, "Power and the Palace," delves into the relationship between the monarchy and the British government. The author examines Queen Victoria's political influence, her impact on King Edward VII, the turbulent period under King George V, and how Queen Elizabeth II modernized and maintained the monarchy's relevance in modern society. He draws on extensive research and nearly 100 interviews with politicians, senior officials, royal aides, and experts.

Cat Tien (*People*)