Palace Statement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Giuffre, States Her Family
The historic declaration from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.
Through its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.
Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”
Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice
Asked whether this suggested that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.
“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he noted.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.
“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”
In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.
Amanda described the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.
“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sadness 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 continued.
Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Message for Victims
Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an important message to survivors of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of public conversations about mistreatment”.
Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”
However, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and humorous.
“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and I think this is something the global community ought to be proud of.
“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”
The palace offered no response.