'I don't know how they do it': Camilla praises the 'remarkable' women who looked after her in Bahrain as she tackles difficult issues including rape and sexual abuse in a candid chat 

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The Duchess of Cornwall has spoken passionately about the issue of women's rights in the Middle East. 

Talking exclusively to MailOnline, Camilla, 69, praised the 'remarkable, incredible and clever' women she has met on her week-long tour of the Gulf with her husband, Prince Charles. 

Tackling tough and decidedly un-royal issues such as rape and sexual abuse, as well as domestic violence, the heir to the throne's wife has become an unlikely champion of women's issues since she became a member of the Royal Family just over ten years ago. 

Speaking in an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Camilla praises the 'remarkable, incredible and clever' women she's met on her week-long tour of the Gulf

Many of her engagements over the past week have focused on the issue of 'female empowerment' in a region not known for its progressive attitude to women. 

But speaking at a reception in the British Embassy in the Bahranian capital of Manama, Camilla spoke of the seismic changes she had seen in the region since she first visited nine years ago. 'I have seen a huge change since then, especially here and in the UAE [United Arab Emirates] , you can see how they have really progressed,' she said. 

'They [the women] have got a lot of the top jobs now, they are highly respected and they are working alongside the men.' Camilla highlighted female fighter pilot Major Mariam Almansoori, whom she met at a power lunch on Monday in Dubai. 

The 38-year-old became the first woman F16 pilot in the UAE air force in 2006 and has since then clocked up more than 1,000 flying hours - but still hasn't eschewed her make-up and wears a hijab under her helmet. 

She told Camilla that 'there was no barrier to women in the UAE', saying: 'The doors are already open to you when you are ready for them.' Even nine years ago there wasn't [those opportunities],' the duchess said. 

The Duchess of Cornwall met volunteers and staff at Dal Al Aman Woman's Refuge Centre on day four of a Royal tour of Bahrain. Many of her engagements over the past week have focused on the issue of 'female empowerment' in a region not known for its progressive attitude to women

Talking about being cared for by the women, Camilla said: 'It's fascinating. It is quite extraordinary to have them. I have never had four women looking after me [and] they are the most incredible women'

Camilla laughs after being presented with a mug by Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel Bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan and Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al-Khalifa as she visits Dal Al Aman Woman's Refuge Centre

'Perhaps not in all the countries, but here…... and that wonderful purple lipstick!' The Duchess also chatted animatedly about her 'angels' - the eight female bodyguards assigned to her while in the UAE, featured exclusively in the Daily Mail this week. 

It is the first time that any member of the British Royal Family has been given an all-women security detail. Aged between 29 and 30, each member of the eight-strong team, a source close to them revealed, was trained in martial arts and close quarters fighting techniques as well as defensive and evasive manoeuvres.

Despite their picture-perfect make-up and fashionable 'flatform' shoes, the ladies' flowing black hijabs and abayas concealed weapons ready to use at close proximity in case of an attack. 

Camilla said: 'It's fascinating. It is quite extraordinary to have them. I have never had four women looking after me [and] they are the most incredible women. The first one had climbed Everest. I said 'how long did it take?' and she said 16 days! It's quite remarkable.' 

On the penultimate day of her tour of the Gulf, the Duchess even made a trip to the Supreme Council for Women where she net some of the most high-powered women in Bahraini society today and said she was 'lost for words' at how 'impressive' their achievements were. 

Duchess also chatted animatedly about her 'angels' - the eight female bodyguards assigned to her while in the UAE, featured exclusively in the Daily Mail this week

The Duchess raised the issues of domestic violence and women's rights during her visit to the Dar Al Amam Women's Refuge in Bahrain

The Duchess of Cornwall was unable to hide her delight as she was presented with a hamper full of goods during a visit to the Dal Al Aman Woman's Refuge Centre in Bahrain

The Duchess, who conducted her engagement alone, looked dignified this morning in a sand coloured kaftan and which she had coordinated with a matching scarf

Camilla was presented with her gift by the Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel Bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan (pictured)

The Supreme Council for Women consists of sixteen women from a wide range of backgrounds who work with the Bahraini government and ensure that the status of women is given due prominence. Government ministries are required to consult with the Council before taking any decisions that might impact on women and since its creation in 2001 Bahraini women have obtained the right to vote and participate in elections. 

Accompanied, in a rare public appearance, by first of the King of Bahrain's four wives, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, who is president of the Council, Camilla chatted to dozens of women from fields as diverse as the judiciary, the media, aviation and engineering, academics and medicine - and the country's first ever Paralympic medalist, Fatima Nizam, who won gold in the shotput at Rio. 

Speaking about the impression the visit had left on her, the Duchess said: 'They have caught up with everything here. I remember saying before how clever the ladies out here were but they are so well educated and such clever people. They are happy and have very high powered jobs. And they juggle four or five children as well. 

'I don't know how they do it. '

Today the Duchess raised the issues of domestic violence and women's rights during her visit to the Dar Al Amam Women's Refuge in Bahrain.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall bid a final farewelll to Bahrain today at the very end of their four day royal tour 

Camilla also spoke to workers involved in helping women who have suffered abuse in the home.

Earlier in the week she met child victims of physical abuse and trafficking during a visit to The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children.

The duchess has a keen interest in raising awareness of domestic violence and has visited many refuges, hearing the stories of survivors.

During the visit to the refuge in Bahrain, Camilla was told about the challenges faced due to social norms in the country.

'Can I ask if there have been many convictions in court?' she asked staff at the centre during a round table discussion.

She was told that some cases are referred to the court but women are encouraged to try mediation.

'What if there has been a great deal of violence or indeed death, which happens in the UK,' the duchess added.

'I think we have as many as two deaths per week as a result of domestic violence.'

The couple were given the royal treatment at the airport where a red carpet before their departure 

Huda Ebrahim Al Mahmood, director of the refuge, replied: 'Here the level of violence is not as violent as we see not just in the world but in our region.'

'Have you got a helpline?' Camilla asked.

Police in Bahrain now take women who complain of domestic violence to hospital immediately so their injuries can be proven, which is difficult in the courts.

Women who divorce without proof lose their rights, while those who do have proof are able to divorce their husband and keep their rights, the duchess was told.

Mrs Al Mahmood added: 'It is a political issue.

'Here we have some interpretations of Islam. For example, women having to ask their husbands before she leaves the house, they are also allowed to beat her for punishment.'

The duchess was told that in Bahrain, family cases go to the main judicial court in Manama but plans are in place to create a family court.

'I hope it happens quickly,' Camilla replied.

'These women, victims of domestic abuse, are they able to tell their story so it can be published in the media because the more people that read about it, the more others come out of the shadows and talk about it themselves.'

Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Deputy King, Crown Prince of Bahrain was on hand to see Charles and Camilla off this afternoon 

Ceremonial guards  stood either side of the red carpet in honour of the royal departure 

She was told that the issue of domestic violence is a highly sensitive one given the small population of Bahrain.

Mrs Al Mahmood added: 'Now we are encouraging women to hide their identity to tell their story.'

Following the discussion, the duchess was presented with a hamper made by women at the centre.

Survivors are encouraged to find employment and become independent by staff.

'Well, I shall treasure that,' Camilla said.

Speaking after the visit, Mrs Al Mahmood praised Camilla for her work in raising awareness of domestic violence across the world.

Before boarding the plane Camilla was presented with a luscious bouquet of pink roses fastened with a gold ribbon

'I was really impressed by her interest,' she said.

'She is really keen to know about experiences. Her comments and questions were very interesting and encouraging.

'It makes us more open. The UK are advanced in this and they have a lot of experience.

'I am impressed by her humbleness. She made us feel open and able to talk, she is such a nice person.'

Mrs Al Mahmood said the refuge and those associated with it would continue to push for better support for survivors.

'We are not giving up - us women never give up,' she added.

'We are trying and trying hard to help people as much as we can.

'As Her Royal Highness said, it is a world issue, it is not just Bahrain cultural or religious issues.'  

Camilla was then treated to a very special private ballet performance at the National Theatre earlier on

The Duchess was all smiles as she met with ballet dancers Anna Nikulina, principle dancer, and Artem Ovcharenko Principle of the Bolshoi Theatre Moscow

She spent time chatting to the talented pair about their impressive performance following the private show 

Camilla was given a tour of the impressive theatre by members of staff ahead of the show

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall dressed up to attend an exhibition and reception in Bahrain on Thursday night

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall were met by an army of fans waving Union Jack flags

The majority of the crowd were of school age so the Duchess had to duck a little in order to speak to them

Charles and Camilla have bid their farewells to the people of Bahrain on their final leg of their royal tour today.

The Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales were given a fond farewell from state officials this afternoon as they boarded a plane back to London. 

The couple were escorted to their royal plane by Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Deputy King, Crown Prince of Bahrain this afternoon.

The pair were given the royal treatment as they were lead down a red carpeted runway where ceremonial guards stood in place. 

Before boarding the plane Camilla was presented with a luscious bouquet of pink roses fastened with a gold ribbon to take home with her. 

Before boarding the plane Charles and Camilla turned back in order to give their new found friends a royal wave one last time. 

The pair paused to shake the hands of young fans who awaited their arrival this evening

On Thursday the royal climbed aboard the HMS Middleton which shares the name of the Duchess of Cambridge

Charles could be seen chatting to naval officers aboard the vessel on Thursday

The ship detects, investigates, and destroys sea-bed threats with high-powered sonar

Charles looked to be in good spirits following a busy day of engagements on Thursday

Charles and Camilla share a giggle at the Krishna Temple, in Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, on Thursday. The pair are visiting the country on behalf of the British government

The Duchess of Cornwall wore dusky pink kaftan on the latest leg of her tour of the Middle East, pairing the garment with a woven clutch, taffeta scarf and white pumps