Queen Camilla says it will take a 'long time' to end domestic abuse

Queen Camilla has vowed to work towards eradicating domestic abuse for as long as 'she is able' in new a documentary on the issue.

The royal, 77, will be the face of a new documentary, Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors, which will highlight the progress being made to eliminate domestic and sexual violence in the UK.

The 90-minute programme will air on Monday 11th November 2024 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, and will include details of the queen's work to tackle the prevalent issue.

Camilla, who is currently recovering from a chest infection away from public engagements, has worked tirelessly to end domestic violence over the years - working across the globe to smash taboos and support survivors. 

In a newly released trailer for the documentary, Camilla is heard giving an answer to an interviewer who asked: 'How do we eradicate domestic abuse'.

Responding candidly, the queen said: 'Don't let's kid ourselves, it's going to take a long long time because it's been going forever.

'You know, it's been going, well, since time began,' she said.

Dressed in a glamorous royal blue frock, the wife of King Charles added that there has been immense progress made to combat the historic issue.

'If you look at the steps we've taken, since the bad old days, we have made a huge amount of progress.

'And I shall keep on trying until I am able to no more,' she said.

One in 5 adults are victims of domestic abuse in the UK, including a quarter of women. 

An estimate 2.1 million people over the age of 16 are thought to be currently experiencing domestic abuse in England and Wales, with one woman killed by a partner or former partner every five days.

Camilla has done pioneering work in the sector, meeting survivors undertaking visits to Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the country, and even launching the wash bag scheme.

While monarchs, or the spouses of monarchs, have traditionally shied away from appearing on camera, the royal has instead chosen for the first time to front the powerful new programme.

In the new film, viewers are expected to see various examples of the queen's work to tackle to issue, including scenes of her hosting a roundtable with teenagers, and celebrating International Women’s Day at Buckingham Palace.

Camilla has also said she is determined to break 'taboo' over the issue. 'It's so important to do something now,' she said in another trailer released by ITV. 

It is understood she started off by agreeing only to a cameo appearance - preferring to focus on the victims and survivors - but becoming more confident at helping to tell the women's' stories as time went on.

Camilla said: 'One of the most difficult things about domestic abuse, to understand, it's not the bruises and the black eyes, which, unfortunately you see, through violence, this is something that creeps up very slowly and, far too often, it ends up with women being killed.

'You meet somebody, you think they're wonderful and attractive and love you…and then bit by bit, they start to undermine you. They take away your friends, they take away your family…and then when you start questioning it…these people become very violent.'

The new documentary will also explore the root of perpetrators abuse and how the cycle can be stopped in its tracks.

The film has been directed by Angela Byrne and Kerene Barefield. When it was first announced that the royal would be taking part, Kerene said it was a 'privilege' to work alongside Camilla.

'It has been a privilege to have been entrusted to produce this film and observe firsthand Her Majesty The Queen's work in the field of domestic abuse,' she said.

'Our aim was to not only highlight the devastation caused by domestic abuse in the UK, but also give a voice and re-empower the victims.

'The Queen is not alone in trying to 'obliterate' this curse, and we have been honoured to work with charities and services who work on the frontline to support survivors, rehabilitate victims and campaign for change.

'We are humbled that our brave survivors have told their stories on camera. It is our belief that by sharing them in this film, we can help people understand what abuse looks like in 2024.'

'If we understand what it looks like, together we will be able to tackle domestic abuse and make a difference.'

As part of her extensive ongoing work in the sector, in 2013, Camilla started the Wash Bags project to provide survivors of sexual assault with toiletries, including soap and shampoo, to use following forensic examination.

The project aimed to offer comfort and familiarity to victims at what can be a very sensitive and dehumanising time.

It comes shortly after the news that the queen has developed a nasty chest infection, forcing her to cancel her forthcoming public engagements.

Camilla is understood to be recovering at home in Wiltshire and is being monitored by doctors.

The infection has caused the royal to reluctantly withdraw from the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey this Thursday. 

Though, Camilla is reported to be hoping to attend this weekend's Remembrance events, including the ceremony at the Cenotaph on Sunday.

The update comes after a year of health troubles for the Royal Family, with both the King and the Princess of Wales being diagnosed with cancer.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.

'With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend's Remembrance events as normal.

'She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.'

Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors airs 11th November at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, STV and STV Player.