Palace Statement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Virginia Giuffre, Says Her Family
This historic statement from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.
In its announcement on the specified day, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.
The statement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”
Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice
Questioned whether this implied that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.
“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he noted.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.
“This represents the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that affected these young girls.”
Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.
She described the announcement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she was here to share this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.
Advocacy Groups React: Significant Statement for Survivors
Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise welcomed the decision by the royal family, with some indicating it conveyed an important signal to survivors of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the center of public conversations about abuse”.
Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”
However, she added: “Removing a honor, or relocating can not be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"
Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be cheeky and humorous.
“This is an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something remarkable and I think this is something the global community should be proud of.
“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”
Royal officials declined to comment.
