It’s a cause Queen Camilla has campaigned for with all her heart and soul in recent years. But her motivation for speaking out so passionately about violence against women and supporting organisations that help survivors has never been revealed.
However, now it seems there may be a tragic personal reason behind her determination to raise awareness of domestic abuse. It has emerged that her grandfather, writer Philip Morton Shand, beat her grandmother Edith when she was pregnant with Camilla’s father, Bruce Shand. The brief marriage ended after the vicious attack and the divorce papers filed in 1919 detail the horror of what happened.
They say, “Philip Morton Shand violently assaulted [his wife] by dragging her by her arms out of bed into a spare room in her nightdress, bruising her breast and knees and knocking her head, as a result of which she fainted. At this time she was pregnant.”
Bruce, who died in 2006 aged 89, grew up without his father and had an unsettled childhood. His mother’s experience may well have inspired his daughter to speak out about a subject that in the past was considered taboo.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills