Royal Statement on Prince Andrew Viewed as 'Justification' for Virginia Giuffre, Says Her Family
This historic statement from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.
Through its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.
The statement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”
Relatives Response: Recognition and Justice
Asked whether this suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.
“This is an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he added.
A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “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 acknowledgment that abuse did occur.
“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”
In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.
Amanda characterized the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she could be present to share this moment together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.
Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Message for Survivors
Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations likewise applauded the move by the royal family, with some indicating it sent an vital signal to those affected of abuse.
A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public discussions about abuse”.
Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were abused by privileged, prejudiced men.”
Nonetheless, she continued: “Stripping a title, or relocating can not be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect abuse has on female victims.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be playful and humorous.
“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and I think this is something the global community should be proud of.
“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”
Royal officials declined to comment.
