Palace Statement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Giuffre, Says Relatives
The historic declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.
Through its statement on Thursday, the palace said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.
Their announcement 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 those who endured of every forms of abuse.”
Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability
Asked whether the statement implied that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.
“This is an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a shift,” he noted.
A family member, 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 situation is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.
“It is the very first step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”
In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.
She described the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.
“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she could be present to share this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.
Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Statement for Survivors
Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with several saying it sent an vital signal to those affected of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see survivors recognised so directly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.
Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”
However, she continued: “Removing a honor, or moving house can not be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and goofy.
“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the world ought to be admiring of.
“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”
Royal officials declined to comment.