The Prince of Wales has urged men to dismantle the “lies, words and actions” that lead to violence against women, in his first major intervention in the campaign to end “appalling attacks”.

The Prince, speaking shortly after meeting the family of Ashling Murphy who was killed in January while out jogging, lent his full support to his wife’s campaign to stop violence against women in a passionate speech.

“The responsibility to make a difference rests on us all,” he told an audience on Friday.

“Last year, my wife called on the entire community – male and female – to dismantle the lies, words and actions that enable so much violence against women.

“In your country and mine, in the intervening year, we have continued to witness appalling attacks.”

‘Profound sorrow and sympathy’

Speaking to a small audience in Bru Boru cultural centre in County Tipperary, the Prince continued: “Therefore, with profound sorrow and sympathy, perhaps I might be permitted to pay tribute to Ashling Murphy, whose name will not be forgotten, who was taken from us far too soon, and who I know was a friend to many here where she performed. 

“My wife and I were so enormously touched to have been able to meet her family, who are with us here today, and our most special, heartfelt thoughts are with them.”

The Prince’s words demonstrate his full support for the Duchess of Cornwall’s own campaign to eradicate violence against women. 

She has made the topic a cornerstone of her work in the Royal Family, regularly visiting women’s refuges to meet survivors of rape, domestic violence and coercive control. 

During their visit to Ireland, the Prince and Duchess met with the parents of Ms Murphy, the 23-year-old primary school teacher whose death has left the grieving community shaken.