Royal Statement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Giuffre, Says Her Family
The momentous declaration from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.
Through its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.
The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”
Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability
Asked whether the statement implied that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.
“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. There has been a change,” he noted.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. 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 very first step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”
Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.
She described the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.
“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she could be present to experience this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.
Support Organizations React: Powerful Statement for Survivors
Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also welcomed the move by the royal family, with several indicating it sent an important signal to those affected of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are trusted, and that they merit to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.
Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”
However, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can not be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Describing Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and goofy.
“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that did something remarkable and in my opinion this is something the global community ought to be proud of.
“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”
Royal officials declined to comment.
