🔗 Share this article

This historic statement from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Accountability

Asked whether the statement suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

She described the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she was here to share this moment together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Statement for Victims

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations also applauded the move by the royal family, with several saying it conveyed an important signal to those affected of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the center of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can not be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and I think that is something the world ought to be proud of.

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.