Royal Statement on Andrew Viewed as 'Justification' for Virginia Giuffre, States Her Family

This momentous 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 stated.

Through its statement on the specified day, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether the statement implied that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

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

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she could be present to share this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups likewise applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several indicating it conveyed an vital signal to survivors of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a title, or relocating can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the global community should be proud of.

“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and now we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.

Linda Cruz
Linda Cruz

A seasoned career coach with over 10 years of experience helping professionals navigate job transitions and achieve their career goals.