🔗 Share this article

This historic statement from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

Through its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this implied that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission 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 sorrow hits because one hopes she could be present to experience this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Message for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups also welcomed the move by the royal family, with several saying it conveyed an vital message to survivors of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Stripping a title, or moving house can not be considered true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and I think this is something the global community ought to be admiring of.

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

Royal officials offered no response.