Royal Statement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Vindication' for Giuffre, States Relatives
The historic statement from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something happened 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 additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.
The statement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”
Family Response: Acknowledgment and Accountability
Asked whether this implied that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.
“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he noted.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.
“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”
In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.
Amanda characterized the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.
“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.
Advocacy Groups React: Significant Statement for Survivors
Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several indicating it sent an important message to survivors of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.
Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the females who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”
Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.
“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and I think that is something the global community ought to be proud of.
“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”
Royal officials declined to comment.