Queen Camilla hosted John Hunt, a BBC racing commentator, and his daughter Amy on November 27 at Clarence House for a deeply personal meeting that will form the basis of a special radio broadcast airing on New Year’s Eve, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The announcement comes as the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign draws to a close today.
The annual United Nations-backed campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, urges governments, charities and the public to highlight and challenge violence against women and girls.
Events and awareness activities take place worldwide across the 16 days, culminating on Human Rights Day.
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John and Amy Hunt recently established The Hunt Family Fund in memory of their loved ones, Carol, Louise and Hannah Hunt, who were murdered at their Hertfordshire home in July last year.
Their killer, Kyle Clifford, was later sentenced to a whole-life order after pleading guilty to the triple murder.
The case prompted widespread shock across the country and drew significant attention to the dangers faced by victims of coercive or controlling behaviour.
The Hunt Family Fund officially launches tomorrow night at a fundraising gala and aims to support projects that work to prevent domestic abuse and assist families affected by such violence.
Queen Camilla joins Theresa May for New Year’s Eve radio broadcast with John and Amy Hunt
|GETTY
An online silent auction is already underway, offering experiences and donated items to raise money for the new charitable initiative.
Queen Camilla invited John and Amy to Clarence House for a conversation reflecting on their loss, the creation of the Fund and the wider issue of domestic and sexual violence.
The meeting took place in the Garden Room and was attended by former Prime Minister Theresa May, who has long advocated for stronger protections for victims and who has supported the Queen in her public work on this issue.
The discussion was chaired by broadcaster Emma Barnett.
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John Hunt and his wife Carol, who was murdered last year
|FACEBOOK: JOHN HUNT
The conversation will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on December 31 in a special edition guest edited by Mrs May.
It will give John and Amy a national platform to speak about their experiences, the purpose of the Fund, and the ongoing need for better awareness, prevention and support for victims and their families.
The scheduling of the broadcast at the end of the 16 Days campaign is significant: the initiative aims not only to highlight the prevalence of gender-based violence but also to encourage concrete action from policymakers, community organisations and the public.
Themes of prevention, survivor support and long-term reform remain at the heart of the global movement and closely align with the work the Hunts now hope to advance through their Fund.
John Hunt pictured with his family members
|FACEBOOK: JOHN HUNT
John Hunt has previously spoken of his daughters’ courage and the importance of recognising early signs of abusive behaviour.
The Fund’s creation represents an effort to channel the family’s grief into measures that could help protect others.
Further details of the New Year’s Eve programme are expected to be released by BBC Radio 4 in the coming weeks.