Duchess Camilla ‘marks rather than celebrates’ powerful milestone as fans demand ‘more strong women like her’

Duchess Camilla has marked an important milestone as she hopes to ‘galvanise’ action in the future.

Duchess Camilla ‘marks rather than celebrates’ a powerful milestone with a speech during a reception at Clarence House
(Image credit: Photo by Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Duchess Camilla has been “marking rather than celebrating” a major milestone and her response has not gone unnoticed by inspired royal fans. 


As a senior royal, the Duchess of Cornwall is a patron of a number of important charities and organizations and a huge advocate for significant causes. One cause that Duchess Camilla regularly champions is that of raising awareness and helping those experiencing domestic violence. In February 2020 the Duchess of Cornwall spoke out in support of domestic abuse victims, whilst last year she was dubbed a “beacon in the dark” for highlighting this issue on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. 

Now her latest royal engagement at Clarence House has marked a major milestone in the battle to support those experiencing the horrors of domestic abuse. Vital charity Refuge has provided this essential support to women and children, providing a safe haven and specialist help, for 50 years. 

Marking this half century milestone, Duchess Camilla hosted a reception at her London home on January 25th. 

Here she met Refuge staff, supporters and people whose lives had been forever changed by the charity. In a moving post, Clarence House’s social media accounts shared a powerful message from Duchess Camilla, which read, “All of you who work in the field of domestic abuse would be the first to say that you look forward to the day when your service is no longer needed.”

She continued, “Today, then, we are marking rather than celebrating your fiftieth anniversary. Let us use it as a milestone to galvanise and inspire us all towards a world where women and children can live in safety, free from fear—The Duchess of Cornwall”.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall talks with Zara McDermott at reception at Clarence House in London to mark 50 years of Refuge

(Image credit: Photo by Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Her poignant declaration was hugely inspiring, projecting a desire to see the elimination of domestic violence in the future. As she marked rather than celebrated Refuge’s 50 years of vital work, Duchess Camilla’s dedication to this important cause didn’t go unnoticed by fans. 

“Gosh I just love HRH we need more strong women like her ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”, one person proclaimed warmly. 

Another echoed this sentiment, commenting, “Amazing work and a lovely speech by The Duchess today ❤️❤️”.

“Wonderful photos of a wonderful, important engagement—and what powerful words!!! Well done, Your Royal Highness 👏❤️ Always a joy to see our lovely Duchess meeting with inspiring and strong women just as she herself is ❤️”, someone else heartfeltly replied.      

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall talks with guests during a reception at Clarence House in London to mark 50 years of Refuge

(Image credit: Photo by Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Whilst a fellow fan praised her passion for highlighting such an important subject and all Refuge’s vital work as they shared, “Love how passionate Her Royal Highness is about this very important subject! Well done to her and to the charity for their incredible work 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️”.

Duchess Camilla’s poignant speech comes as she previously told Sky News back in 2018 about the importance of talking about domestic violence.

"If we don't keep talking about it, it's going to go on, it's going to get worse. If we talk about it, I think a lot of these women here were telling me they come out feeling stronger. I’ve always said they come out being victors not victims, which is the important thing,” she declared.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!