Palace Announcement on Andrew Viewed as 'Vindication' for Giuffre, Says Her Family
The momentous statement from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.
In its statement on the specified day, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also vacate his mansion 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 victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
Family Response: Recognition and Justice
Asked whether the statement implied that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.
“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he noted.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.
“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”
Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.
Amanda described the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.
“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.
Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Statement for Victims
Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the royal family, with several indicating it conveyed an important message to those affected of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a message 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 recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”
However, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and humorous.
“Here we have an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the world should be admiring of.
“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”
The palace declined to comment.
