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King Charles III

Duchess of Cornwall gains new patronage in Africa

Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall

The Duchess of Cornwall has taken up a new patronage in Africa in a cause close to her heart. She is now the patron of The Mirabel Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. 

The Duchess of Cornwall has long supported causes related to domestic abuse and sexual assault. She has taken on several patronages that help victims of abuse and assault to find safety and a fresh start and to break the taboo of talking about it openly. She has attended different forums on these issues and continues to host events, like a 2016 reception at Clarence House. 

In March 2020, domestic abuses hotlines saw record numbers of calls from people in lockdown, and Camilla was quick to share a public message of support and different resources that victims can use. At the WOW London Festival in March 2020, she gave the keynote address on domestic abuse where she launched the #everyonesproblem hashtag and discussed it again in July 2020 when she guest-edited the Emma Barnett Show on BBC Radio 5Live from Clarence House. 

The Mirabel Centre is the first sexual assault referral centre in Nigeria. It was founded in 2013 by Itoro Eze-Anaba, and it provides a safe place, medical services, and psychological support services to rape and sexual assault survivors. The centre has helped over 6,450 survivors to date and helps men, women, and children. Camilla will work with several different women in the coming months to support the centre in whatever ways possible. 

In a statement, the Duchess explained, “I am delighted to become Patron of The Mirabel Centre in Lagos. It is a truly trailblazing organisation, supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault as they seek healing and justice.  Their vital work means that women need no longer suffer in silence, and I am deeply grateful to all Mirabel’s wonderful staff and volunteers.” 

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Historian and blogger at AnHistorianAboutTown.com