Palace Statement on Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Giuffre, States Her Family
The momentous declaration from the royal household stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.
In its announcement on Thursday, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.
The statement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”
Family Response: Acknowledgment and Justice
Questioned whether the statement suggested that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view 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, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.
A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that abuse took place.
“This represents the initial step for that justice 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 died earlier this year – 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 civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.
Amanda described the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she was here to share this moment together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.
Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Statement for Survivors
Women’s rights advocates and support organizations also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several saying it sent an vital signal to those affected of assault.
A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so directly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a message that “victims are important, that their experiences are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national discussions about mistreatment”.
Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”
Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and goofy.
“This is an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the world ought to be proud of.
“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”
Royal officials offered no response.