In a heartfelt moment at St James's Palace, actress Miriam Margolyes delivered a warm message of support for King Charles III through Queen Camilla during a reception for the Women of the World (WOW) organisation. The event, held yesterday in London to mark International Women's Day, saw Margolyes greet Camilla with kisses and ask her to relay words of encouragement to the monarch.
A Personal Plea for the King
During a line-up of prominent guests, Margolyes approached Camilla and said, 'Hello darling, how are you? Will you tell His Majesty that we love him and we want him to get better and to take no notice of anyone who criticises him, because he's just wonderful.' The Queen responded with laughter, tapping Margolyes on the shoulder and assuring her, 'I will bear that in mind.' Margolyes thanked her before Camilla moved on to speak with the next guest, former prime minister's wife Cherie Blair.
Royal Challenges and Health Battles
This exchange comes amid significant challenges for the Royal Family. King Charles has been battling cancer since his diagnosis in 2024, though his weekly treatment schedule has been reduced this year. Additionally, the monarchy continues to grapple with the fallout from Prince Andrew's scandalous associations.
Last month, Charles vowed that the Royal Family would 'continue in our duty and service to you all' following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest. The King had previously insisted the 'law must take its course' while expressing 'deep concern' over allegations of misconduct in public office against his younger brother. In October, Andrew was stripped of his princely rights and Duke of York title due to his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Camilla's Powerful Address on Violence Against Women
Queen Camilla delivered her most significant speech to date on violence against women and girls during the WOW event. Speaking to an audience that included Dame Helen Mirren, Penny Lancaster, Baroness Floella Benjamin, and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, Camilla expressed solidarity with survivors.
She declared: '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. We stand with you and alongside you, today and every day, in solidarity, sorrow and sympathy. 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.'
Addressing Online Misogyny and Education
Camilla also criticised toxic online influences, urging that 'misogyny and hatred' affecting boys and young men must be 'confronted' to prevent future issues. She emphasised that men and boys are not the 'enemy of progress' but 'essential partners' in achieving gender equality.
The Queen outlined specific educational measures: 'In the playground, boys should be taught to manage and to express their feelings healthily. In the classroom, all children must learn what constitutes consent - and what is assault. In the work place, inspiring male and female role models can demonstrate true egalitarianism.'
Notable Guests and Reactions
The reception attracted numerous high-profile figures, including actress Hannah Waddingham and Amy Hunt, whose family members were tragically killed in 2024. Dame Helen Mirren shared a humorous anecdote about her driver questioning the need for International Women's Day, to which she retorted, 'every f***ing day, 365 days of them.'
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson commented on Camilla's speech, stating simply, 'I think Her Majesty's speech speaks for itself.' The address, marking Camilla's 16-year association with WOW including 11 years as president, is widely interpreted as containing veiled references to the Andrew scandal and broader issues of abuse.
As the Royal Family navigates health concerns and ongoing controversies, moments like Margolyes' supportive message highlight the personal dimensions behind public figures, while Camilla's advocacy underscores the monarchy's evolving role in addressing critical social issues.
