Palace Statement on Andrew Viewed as 'Vindication' for Giuffre, Says Her Family
The historic declaration from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.
Through its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.
Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”
Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice
Asked whether this suggested that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.
“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. We are witnessing a change,” he added.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.
“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the admission that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”
Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. He has always denied any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.
She described the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she was here to share this occasion together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.
Advocacy Groups React: Significant Message for Victims
Women’s rights advocates and support organizations likewise welcomed the move by the royal family, with several saying it sent an vital message to survivors of assault.
Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of public discussions about abuse”.
Penny East, 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 continued: “Removing a honor, or moving house can not be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on female victims.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Describing Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could also be playful and goofy.
“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and I think this is something the global community should be admiring of.
“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”
The palace offered no response.
