Royal Statement on Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Virginia Giuffre, Says Relatives
This historic statement from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.
In its statement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.
The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”
Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice
Questioned whether this implied that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.
“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he noted.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.
“It is the initial step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”
In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.
Amanda characterized the announcement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We’re just so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she was here to share this moment together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.
Advocacy Groups React: Significant Message for Survivors
Women’s rights advocates and support organizations likewise applauded the decision by the royal family, with some saying it sent an vital signal to survivors of abuse.
A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their experiences are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national discussions about abuse”.
Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”
However, she continued: “Removing a title, or relocating can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and humorous.
“This is an regular individual from an typical background that did something extraordinary and I think this is something the global community should be admiring of.
“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”
Royal officials offered no response.