Royal Announcement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Giuffre, States Her Family

This historic declaration from the royal household stripping Prince Andrew of his title is seen as an "recognition" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

The statement ended with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether this suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing took place.

“It is the very first step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda characterized the statement by the palace as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she was here to experience this moment together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Message for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations likewise applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several indicating it conveyed an vital message to survivors of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of public discussions about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a honor, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and I think this is something the global community should be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.

Scott Myers
Scott Myers

A passionate curator and lifestyle blogger with a knack for finding hidden gems in subscription services.