Royal Announcement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Vindication' for Giuffre, Says Relatives
This historic declaration from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.
In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.
Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”
Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice
Questioned whether the statement implied that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.
“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he noted.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.
“This represents the very first step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that affected these adolescent females.”
Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting 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 sadness hits because one hopes she could be present to experience this moment together with her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.
Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Statement for Victims
Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise welcomed the move by the royal family, with some saying it conveyed an important signal to those affected of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their experiences are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national discussions about abuse”.
Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”
Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can not be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and goofy.
“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and I think this is something the world should be proud of.
“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are at last receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”
Royal officials declined to comment.
