Royal Announcement on Prince Andrew Viewed as 'Vindication' for Giuffre, Says Her Family
This historic statement from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.
Through its statement on Thursday, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.
Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”
Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice
Asked whether the statement implied that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.
“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he noted.
A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.
“This represents the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the admission that something went on here. This involved real trauma that affected these young girls.”
Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.
Amanda characterized the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she could be present to experience this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.
Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Statement for Survivors
Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups also applauded the move by the royal family, with some saying it conveyed an important signal to those affected of assault.
A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of public conversations about abuse”.
Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”
However, she added: “Stripping a title, or relocating can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"
Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also be playful and goofy.
“Here we have an ordinary girl from an typical background that achieved something remarkable and I think that is something the world ought to be admiring of.
“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are finally receiving that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”
The palace declined to comment.
