Queen Camilla has expressed her gratitude to those working and volunteering with survivors of domestic abuse, describing their efforts as "more important than ever." The Queen made the remarks during a visit to Women's Aid Newtownards in Co Down on the final day of a three-day royal visit to Northern Ireland alongside the King.
Royal Visit to Women's Aid Newtownards
Arriving on Thursday, Camilla wore a blue and white wool crepe dress paired with a blue scallop-edge jacket by Bruce Oldfield, accessorised with a turquoise three-leaf clover brooch. She was greeted by Emalyn Turkington, chief executive of Women's Aid in North Down and Ards, before engaging with representatives from various agencies, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, food banks, and Community NI.
Meeting Survivors and Their Children
The Queen then proceeded to a separate room to meet survivors of domestic abuse and their children. In an impromptu speech, she highlighted the significance of their work, stating: "It's more important than ever because domestic abuse is coming to the fore more and more, it's not hidden any longer, it's talked about, and it's only through people like all of you that we hopefully can do a lot to put an end to it all with everyone working together."
She added: "It's lovely to see here all the agencies coming together, I think that's what is needed all over the country. Thank you very much."
Reactions from Women's Aid CEO
Ms Turkington thanked the Queen for her visit, particularly for meeting survivors, noting it was "important you heard their voice today." Speaking to the Press Association later, she described the experience as amazing, especially the recognition of Women's Aid's work. "For me as CEO, my team but especially the women that we work with feel so valued and listened to and heard, it was a lovely opportunity," she said.
She added: "Her speech was a bonus, but also when she was in with the women speaking to them about how she has heard many stories and how it's such an amazing experience for them to come along and link in with other women and know that they are not on their own, because that's a big thing when you're going through domestic abuse, you feel you're very much isolated. For her to recognise that, and be able to speak to the women in there was amazing."
