🔗 Share this article

The historic statement from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "recognition" that something occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In 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, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether this implied that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an admission that events took place, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

“It is the very first step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

She characterized the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she could be present to share this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Statement for Victims

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups also welcomed the move by the royal family, with several saying it sent an important message to those affected of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public discussions about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can never be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the world ought to be admiring of.

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

Royal officials offered no response.