Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Queen Camilla has been spotted in Exeter today for a poignant visit to the city’s new sexual assault referral centre (SARC).
The Queen looked stunning in a forest green wrap coat with a bee brooch and her usual blonde blowout.
Camilla’s visit today saw her tour the new facilities, which included Forensic Medical Examination (FME) suites and clinical rooms and met staff who provide critical forensic and therapeutic care to those using the service
She met SARC employees, including the Adult and Paediatric, Therapy and Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) teams, and the Devon & Cornwall Police lead officer on Rape and Serious Sexual Offences.
The royal praised the work of the sexual assault centres around the country, saying “it’s devastating that we need you, but thank goodness for the work you do”.
During her visit, the Queen was shocked “beyond belief” to learn that the Exeter centre has dealt with patients of all kinds of ages, ranging from newborn babies to women in their 90s.
Paediatrician Dr Anna Law showed her the room filled with toys where children using the service were met with family members, and Camilla said: “Well, it’s unfortunate it’s needed so much – so many children, through.”
The Queen, who has long campaigned against domestic and sexual violence, also met privately with a member of the public who has had to use the services of the SARC in the past.
Camilla then saw how wash bags are made available to service users in a post examination room, and speak with representatives from Boots and the charity In Kind Direct about their partnership with SARCs.
She said: “It’s something after an experience that is so traumatic.”
The Wash Bag project was inspired by Her Majesty in 2013 and has been running nationwide since 2017 providing survivors of sexual assault with toiletries to use following a forensic examination.
Nurse Hollie Warren told the Queen: “As a nurse for ten years I have seen such a difference the wash bags make. The feedback I have is excellent. It makes a real difference. People come out of the shower and tell me the real impact they have had and how it makes them feel.”
The Queen replied: “It’s a shame they are so needed. But it’s just something.”
Shortly before her departure, Camilla unveiled a plaque to officially open SARC Exeter.
She said: “Everyone is so completely committed to what they are doing. I am sorry SARCS are needed to but they are very much needed more and more over the country. I don’t think enough people know about them.
“The incredible work you do here shouldn’t go unrecognised. You do it in a quiet humble way. I don’t think you realise the difference you make to these people’s lives.”
Back in 2021, the Queen, as the then Duchess of Cornwall, gave a powerful speech at an event hosted by Women of the World (WOW) at the Wellcome Collection in London, weeks after Sarah Everard’s kidnapping and murder by Wayne Couzens.
While there, she condemned the way society has come to believe that “violence against women is normal” and said: “We do not, in any way, hold all men responsible for sexual violence. But we do need them all on board to tackle it. After all, rapists are not born, they are constructed.
“And it takes an entire community – male and female – to dismantle the lies, words and actions that foster a culture in which sexual assault is seen as normal, and in which it shames the victim.”
In October 2024, Devon & Cornwall SARC services opened SARC Exeter, one of the first new purpose-built centres developed specifically to meet new stringent UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) standards for SARC forensic services.
The Exeter centre offers both adult and children services, including therapy, and is a centre of excellence for paediatric care.