GIRL ABOUT TOWN: Caring Camilla wins herself a cartoon role in film about domestic violence

By Charlotte Griffiths, Diary Editor For The Mail On Sunday

Published: 00:00 GMT, 19 November 2017 | Updated: 08:49 GMT, 20 November 2017

I can reveal Camilla is backing a digital animation being put together by her friend John Young, High Sheriff of Dorset

I can reveal Camilla is backing a digital animation being put together by her friend John Young, High Sheriff of Dorset

The Royal Family have a penchant for supporting James Bond movies, but the Duchess of Cornwall is branching out by lending her weight to a cartoon.

I can reveal Camilla is backing a digital animation being put together by her friend John Young, High Sheriff of Dorset.

Camilla’s first foray into films will have a serious message that is close to her heart – domestic abuse. 

The Duchess has long supported causes relating to domestic violence and has taken a keen interest in Mr Young’s film about controlling and coercive behaviour in the home.

She has been quietly helping the ex-soldier, now a chartered surveyor, with research and background for the film, which will be made by animators from Bournemouth University. ‘Camilla has been quite hands-on in the background,’ my source says.

‘The story is from the perspective of the victims and, as Camilla is extremely well informed about the issues, she has been very helpful, especially with introducing John to victim support agencies.’

It is believed Camilla, 70, met Mr Young, 67, through her sister Annabel Elliot, who lives in the same Dorset village as him.

A local source added: ‘The project will be premiered next March, with a discussion panel judging the film. Fingers crossed the film is a good one and the debate goes well.’

Those involved in the film – which has not yet got a working title – are hoping Camilla will record a short introduction. Last year, during a Safe Lives event, the Duchess was moved to tears after hearing the harrowing stories of women who had survived domestic abuse.

At another event, for Sir Patrick Stewart’s charity Refuge, she was overheard saying: ‘I shall keep trying to help, I promise.’

The Duchess has long supported causes relating to domestic violence and has taken a keen interest in Mr Young¿s(pictured) film about controlling and coercive behaviour in the home

The Duchess has long supported causes relating to domestic violence and has taken a keen interest in Mr Young’s(pictured) film about controlling and coercive behaviour in the home

Clarence House would not comment last night, but an aide confirmed the Duchess had been approached for an official role in the project.

Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty magazine, said: ‘Camilla always does things for friends, she’s very good like that.

‘She’s very close to her sister and will be keen to help her and John out if she can.’

 

In the latest sign that the world’s most famous boyband One Direction have reached the end of the road, they have shut down their touring company. 

The closure of Rollcall Touring Ltd has prompted insiders to whisper there’s no coming back. 

Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have launched solo careers. 

Some may one day seek a reunion... but as each is worth £50 million, there’s no rush.