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Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has been turning the focus to an issue that is “incredibly close to her heart”, according to royal commentators. The senior Royal Family member visited a branch of Boots pharmacy, who are launching a campaign with domestic abuse charity Hestia. ITV Royal Rota podcast hosts Chris Ship and Lizzie Robinson discussed the importance of the cause to the Duchess.

Mr Ship told listeners: “One of the very sad stories of lockdown is the increase in domestic violence, and the number of victims of domestic violence.

“Hestia work to provide safe spaces for these victims.

“She was also there seeing an initiative that was her idea, the Washbags Project.

“This is washbags with toiletries filled for victims of domestic violence.”

Ms Robinson said: “We know for the Duchess this is a cause incredibly close to her heart.

“The thought about the washbags is that if the victims did want to just leave, they’ve got something that feels like home so they’re not without some essentials.

“She’s done a lot of work over recent years for this cause.

“We’ve heard her speak during lockdown and the coronavirus pandemic about her concerns.”

She added: “Particularly, at the moment, about what this pandemic will have done for those victims.”

The visit also marked the first time that Camilla has been pictured wearing a face mask.

The mask was made by Liberty, and was reportedly a birthday gift from a friend.

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Hestia is overseeing a safe space model in consultation rooms at most of the 2,400 Boots pharmacies across the country.

This will provide access to support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.

Victims of domestic abuse can contact specialist domestic abuse services for support and advice.

Hestia said it launched the scheme in response to the “desperate situation” many people are facing in lockdown.

Calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline rose by 49% and killings doubled since restrictions on public life were introduced, a report by MPs found.

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