Palace Statement on Prince Andrew Viewed as 'Justification' for Giuffre, Says Her Family

This historic statement from the royal household stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether the statement suggested that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

She described the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she was here to share this moment together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Message for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with some saying it sent an vital signal to those affected of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Removing a honor, or moving house can not be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.

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

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are finally getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

Royal officials declined to comment.