Royal Announcement on Prince Andrew Seen as 'Justification' for Virginia Giuffre, Says Relatives

This momentous statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its announcement on Thursday, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will additionally leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the admission that something went on here. This involved real trauma that affected these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda described the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she was here to experience this moment alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Message for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and support organizations likewise welcomed the move by the monarchy, with several indicating it conveyed an important signal to those affected of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a message that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, 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. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the world should be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are finally getting that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.