Her Majesty Queen Camilla was the talk of Swindon today as she met members of the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS).

The charity celebrated its 50th anniversary and welcomed Camilla, who has long campaigned on ending domestic violence, for the celebrations.

SDASS, which was founded in 1974 as Swindon Women’s Aid, offers one of the few purpose-built refuges in the UK offering fully self-contained accommodation.

Camilla's visit was not welcomed by everyone, however.

After posting our live blog earlier today on Facebook, the comments section was rife with people denouncing Camilla.

One person joked: "I’m so sorry I can’t attend I’ve gotta take my pet fish for a walk and my unicorn has an appointment at the vets it was booked weeks in advance can’t change it now".

Another user commented: "I have some paint to watch dry."

Someone else replied: "We dont have a queen".

"She’s not a queen and never will be," said one person, whilst another concurred: "I bet SBC have had all hands on deck clearing up the uncollected rubbish at last. Someone please tell her when she passes and remind her, she will never be our Queen."

Amidst the protests, someone quipped: "Well, that rattled a few anti-royalists".

"The road to obliterating abuse forever"

Camilla made a surprise speech at a plaque unveiling earlier today after being "so moved" by her visit to Swindon.

The Queen consort was visibly touched by the volunteers and dignitaries that she met, "I wish you all a very happy 50th birthday and want to thank you for all doing such an amazing incredible job," she said.

"I visit a lot of refuges every year but I can see you are doing something very special. You are doing such a fantastic job and helping so many walks of life.

"You seem to be getting into everywhere which is what is needed. It isn't just looking after the victims and the children, it's getting into schools and teaching them respect. 

"Thank you all so much for playing a wonderful part on the road to obliterating abuse forever."

"I think it's very brave to speak up"

Earlier today, the Queen met Ashlie, granddaughter of Jenni Manners who set up the charity. Ashlie told the Queen how her grandmother set up the charity because she was in an abusive relationship.

"She sounds like a very inspiring woman," Camilla said. "I think it's very brave to speak up, it's very necessary," she added to one trustee.

Lord-Lieutenant Cadet, Flight Sergeant Emmy Jones was the first to greet Her Majesty who also saluted her.

The Queen was then also greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton as well as the High Sherriff of Wiltshire, Mr Pradeep Bhardwaj, the Deputy Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Imtiyaz Shaikh, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Cllr Jim Robbins, Sir Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon, Chief Constable, Catherine Roper and the PCC, Philip Wilkinson.

Nicky Alberry, chair of the trustees, said: "It's an incredible honour to have her here today highlighting and raising the profile of domestic abuse.

"In 50 years we hope that we don't have to be here, but unfortunately domestic abuse is still such an issue and services like this can change a victim's life so they're essential."

"I was high sheriff in 2019 and I had a lot of friends who had been victims of domestic abuse so it was something I wanted to highlight during my year. That's how I got involved with it all."

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Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS)

The refuge can host 22 families at a time, with 20 flats that have between one and three bedrooms, as well as an emergency bedsit.

Women and children up to the age of 18 are offered a safe place to live at SDASS and tend to stay for around four months. Every year it supports around 62 families, including 78 children.

Camilla has long campaigned on ending domestic violence, working with charities to raise awareness and support survivors.

As the Duchess of Cornwall after the first national lockdown, she became patron of the UK charity SaveLives, and highlighted its Reach In campaign which encouraged communities to “reach in” to victims of abuse.