Palace Statement on Andrew Viewed as 'Justification' for Giuffre, Says Her Family
The historic declaration from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.
Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.
Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of every forms of abuse.”
Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Accountability
Questioned whether this implied that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.
“It’s an admission that events took place, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he added.
A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.
“This represents the initial step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”
In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.
She characterized the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We’re just so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she was here to experience this moment together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.
Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Statement for Survivors
Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups also applauded the move by the monarchy, with some indicating it conveyed an vital message to survivors of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged 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 merit to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.
Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by privileged, prejudiced men.”
Nonetheless, she continued: “Removing a honor, or relocating can not be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and humorous.
“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the world should be proud of.
“She was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”
The palace offered no response.