Royal Statement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Giuffre, Says Relatives
The historic statement from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.
Through its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.
The statement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”
Family Response: Recognition and Accountability
Questioned whether this implied that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.
“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he added.
A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.
“It is the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”
In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.
Amanda characterized the announcement by the royal family as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.
“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness hits because one hopes she was here to experience this moment together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.
Advocacy Groups React: Significant Statement for Survivors
Gender equality campaigners and support organizations also welcomed the decision by the royal family, with some indicating it conveyed an vital message to those affected of assault.
Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public conversations about mistreatment”.
Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”
However, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and goofy.
“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion this is something the global community should be admiring of.
“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”
Royal officials offered no response.
