Royal Announcement on Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Giuffre, Says Her Family
This momentous declaration from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.
Through its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.
Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”
Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice
Questioned whether this implied that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.
“It’s an admission that something occurred, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he added.
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 situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.
“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”
In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.
She described the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.
“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she was here to experience this moment together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.
Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Statement for Victims
Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups also welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an vital message to those affected of assault.
A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of public conversations about mistreatment”.
Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”
Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be playful and humorous.
“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and I think this is something the global community ought to be proud of.
“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”
The palace offered no response.