Palace Statement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Vindication' for Virginia Giuffre, States Relatives
The historic declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that something occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.
In its statement on Thursday, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.
Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”
Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Accountability
Asked whether the statement suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.
“It’s an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he noted.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.
“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”
Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.
She characterized the announcement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she was here to share this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.
Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Statement for Survivors
Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups also applauded the move by the royal family, with several saying it sent an important message to survivors of assault.
Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so directly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national discussions about mistreatment”.
Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were abused by entitled, prejudiced men.”
Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a honor, or moving house can not be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and humorous.
“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and I think this is something the world ought to be proud of.
“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”
Royal officials declined to comment.
